New Falconry Heats Announced at Ghayathi Festival 2026
Abu Dhabi has unveiled two innovative new competition categories for the 2026 Ghayathi Falcon Festival, deepening the Emirate’s commitment to preserving the ancient art of falconry as a living cultural heritage. The two new heats — the Gyr Shaheen and Gyr Tabaa Heat, and the Gyr Pure and Gyr Qarmousha Heat — will debut this September, offering elite falconers more opportunities to showcase their birds’ speed, endurance, and hunting instincts.
ADIHEX Badge Qualification: A New Incentive for Falcon Owners
A landmark collaboration between the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) and the Abu Dhabi Falconers Club (ADFC) now allows falcons purchased at ADIHEX to qualify for the prestigious ADIHEX Badge. This exclusive recognition, awarded after rigorous performance evaluation in the new heats, symbolizes ownership of a certified, high-performance falcon and reinforces the integrity of the UAE’s falcon trade.
Falconry: More Than Sport, a Cultural Pillar
Falconry is not merely a competitive activity in the UAE — it is a centuries-old tradition woven into the fabric of Bedouin life, national identity, and royal heritage. From the dunes of Liwa to the desert edges of Ghayathi, falconers remain custodians of this UNESCO-recognized practice, passing down training techniques through generations.
The Ghayathi Festival, now in its 15th year, stands as the region’s most prestigious gathering of falconry professionals, breeders, and enthusiasts. With these new heats, the event further elevates its position as the global epicenter for falconry excellence, promoting ethical breeding and competitive standards.
A Joint Effort for Legacy and Innovation
The partnership between ADIHEX and ADFC underscores a shared vision: to honor tradition while embracing modern standards. ADIHEX, as the region’s premier platform for hunting and equestrian excellence, provides access to globally sourced, verified birds. The ADFC ensures these falcons are trained, tested, and celebrated according to Emirati traditions.
Falconers are encouraged to register their birds for the new heats at the official festival portal ahead of the September 12–19 event. Entries for the ADIHEX Badge will open July 1, 2026.
For residents across the UAE, the Ghayathi Falcon Festival remains an unmissable celebration — where desert winds carry the cry of the falcon, and heritage soars higher than ever.
