Bahrain to host second edition of Emirates Falcons Racing International Cup in December 2026
Championship returns under directives of Mansour bin Zayed and patronage of Ahmed bin Mohammed as UAE expands global presence of falcon racing
Dubai: The UAE Falcons Federation has approved the Kingdom of Bahrain as the host of the second edition of the Emirates Falcons Racing International Cup, which is scheduled to take place during the first week of December 2026.
The championship is held annually under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, and President of the UAE Falcons Federation.
The championship is overseen by H.E. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Vice President of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, Vice President of the UAE Falcons Federation and Chairman of the Championship.
Cooperation with Bahrain
The second edition will be organised in cooperation with the Bahrain Inherited Traditional Sports Committee, one of the founding members of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing, and in coordination with the relevant authorities and the UAE Embassy in Bahrain.
The UAE Falcons Federation said hosting the event in Bahrain aligns with its efforts to strengthen the UAE’s position as a global hub for falcon racing and deepen cooperation with member states of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing.
The move also reflects the strong fraternal ties between the UAE and Bahrain and their shared commitment to preserving and promoting falconry heritage for future generations.
Growing international profile
The federation noted that Bahrain’s selection as host for the second edition marks a new milestone in the championship’s development and reflects its growing international stature since its launch.
It also recognises Bahrain’s experience and organisational capabilities, as well as the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in preserving and developing falconry sports and racing.
Further details to follow
The UAE Falcons Federation said additional details regarding the championship will be announced in due course, including:
- Registration procedures
- Technical requirements
- Participation categories
- Competition rounds
- Prize money
- Competition regulations
- Event schedule
The information will be published through the federation’s official website and social media channels.
First international championship bearing the UAE name
The Emirates Falcons Racing International Cup is the first international falcon racing championship to carry the UAE’s name and be staged outside the country.
Launched under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the championship has been held annually since the 2025–2026 season across different continents.
The initiative aims to advance falcon racing globally, strengthen the UAE’s leadership in the sport, preserve its heritage and promote it on the international sporting stage.