While the falcon is the nation’s official symbol (just check your Emirates ID card), the camel comes a very close second. Want to find out more about these two icons of the UAE? Make plans now to attend the Festival of Falconry and the Dhafra Festival, both happening this week

As its name suggests, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) has been tasked with preserving the history and traditions of this great nation. What better way to educate and entertain both expatriates and Emiratis alike than with two fun and informative festivals? Abu Dhabi Week gets the lowdown.

The Second International Festival of Falconry Until 17th December, Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain

Called the Falconry Olympics, this festival has been organised by ADACH in cooperation with the Emirates Falconers’ Club and the Council of British Falconers.

“ADACH is intensifying its preparations to host this unique event described by international experts as the world’s biggest gathering of falconers throughout history,” said Abdallah al Qubaisi, director of the Festival and director of the communication department at ADACH. “With the multiplicity of its heritage, artistic, cultural and research activities and expectations, the Festival will attract thousands of visitors and tourists, as well as the attention of hundreds of local, Arab and international media.”

According to Dr Nick Fox, technical supervisor of the Festival and a member of the Board of Directors at the Falconry Heritage Trust in the United Kingdom, of the 80 countries that practice falconry, 75 will take part in this event.

“We expect the presence of about 700 falconers from overseas,” says Fox. “The International Falconry Conference alongside this Festival is the largest so far as around 90 speakers will take part in it.”

Visitors to the Festival of Falconry will want to check out the market dedicated to everything that matters to falconers, the Grand Parade of Nations, the exhibits devoted to falconry-related initiatives and a number of exciting falcon shows. Also, be sure to visit the tents of falconers from Europe and the UK, Pakistan, Afghanistan, South America, Japan and several other countries all showcasing their handicrafts, their traditional clothing and, of course, their falcons.

The Dhafra Festival 17th to 28th December, Zayed City, Al Gharbia

In its fifth season, the Dhafra Festival is once again set to light up the Western Region. Another ADACH initiative, this festival will include the annual traditional market for UAE Sadu handicrafts which features 160 shops devoted to preserving and promoting the traditional Emirati arts of weaving, with the aim of ensuring their survival and sustainability.

In past years, the Dhafra Festival has been home to loads of fun activities for kids, and this year is no different. The 2011 event will see all kinds of entertainment for young and old, plus heritage competitions like the camel beauty contest, the “milkiest camel” competition, the saluki beauty contest, the date packaging contest, the heritage camel race, the photography competition and the cooking contest – all held in addition to multiple heritage events dedicated to children.

“I can’t wait to take my kids again this year,” says Simone Murphy, mother of Jessica (aged eight). “We went last year and it was so much fun! It’s a great way to get in touch with the culture and spirit of the UAE and see all those things that are really great about Abu Dhabi’s history. These are the customs and traditions that make this region so unique, so different than anywhere else in the world.”
Not sure how to get out to Zayed City? Don’t worry – there will be transportation to the Festival arena throughout each day starting at 9am. Catch your ride from the ADACH headquarters near the National Center for Documentation and Research (near Carrefour on Airport Road).

Laura Fulton

To find out more about the Second International Festival of Falconry and the Dhafra Festival, visit www.adach.ae

Al Ain Zoo joins in

The Al Ain Zoo will support and participate in the Second International Festival of Falconry this year, providing several birds from its collection for educational presentations and bird shows throughout the event.

Thirty birds including the Golden Eagle, the Desert Eagle Owl, the Harris Hawk and the Imperial Eagle plus other desert birds will give visitors to the festival the chance to learn more about these fascinating species. The zoo’s Education Centre will conduct daily presentations about falcons and other birds of prey plus providing creative workshops for children.

Al Ain Zoo bird trainer Faisal al Hammadi said, “Falconry has always been an integral part of the UAE’s culture and we are proud to showcase our amazing collection of falcons and desert birds. We look forward to supprting the Falconry Festival in Al Ain, and sharing this wonderful sport with a wider audience.”