Falconry is an indispensable sport - Zayed

President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan attended yesterday a falconry show held in the Falah area, north of Shawamikh, here.

Also attending the show was Adrienne Clarkson, Canada's Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

The show was held as part of Sheikh Zayed's keenness to revive falconry, the centuries-old heritage that has been handed down from one generation to the next in the Gulf and the Arabian peninsula.

Clarkson was briefed on various aspects of falconry, which were known to the Arabs long before it spread to the rest of the world.

From time immemorial, UAE nationals possessed an ontological knowledge of various species of falcons, methods of training and rearing, domesticating them. Owing to the intimacy that falcons had been with people, the birds have assumed the status symbols of valour and personal integrity.

During the show, Sheikh Zayed said: "In spite of modern achievements, we are keen to preserve our indigenous traditions and heritage. Falconry is an important and indispensable sport as it teaches patience, perseverance and valour and is therefore useful physically and psychologically. It is also a social sport which strengthens the sense of comradeship among people during their journey and also promotes the spirit of community and unity".

Sheikh Zayed added that falconry as a sport has its own values in terms of speed of the falcons and their ability to fly, manoeuvre, hunt or devour food.

Clarkson expressed delight with the show and commended the keenness of Sheikh Zayed to preserve the country's heritage and environment, including its wildlife. She also commended the successful and evenhanded blend of modernity and tradition.

The show was attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan, Chairman of the Guest House and Protocol Department, and Christopher Thompson, Canadian Ambassador.