ABU DHABI, 16 sep. 04 (WAM)- The first-ever UAE beauty contestfor falcons was held yesterday at the Abu Dhabi International Huntingand Equestrian Show.
There were several categories for the Shaheen and Jeer species,as well as a special prize for the biggest cross-bred falcon.
A falcon owned by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Princeof Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces won the first place in the Most Beautiful Jeer.
The second place in the same category was won by a Jeer ownedby Kurt Kilian. Pro Fal Con, a project for falcon conservation initiatedby Sheikh Khalifa clinched the title of best and the biggest Shaheenand the Jeer.
The second and third places were won by Dan Daman from Hansmanof Germany.
Faris Al Mazroui, Member of the Emirates Falconers' Club, wasquoted by the Dubai-based Khaleej Times as saying this contestwas an innovative and unique competition of its kind in the field of falconrysport.
He said the competition attracted scores of falconers from theAGCC countries and other parts of the world.
"These contests are aimed at raising awareness about the sportof falconry, which is an age-old tradition of the UAE people. It is alsoaimed at encouraging falconers to use cross-bred falcons as an alternativeto wild falcons which are on the verge of extinction," said Mr Mazroui.
The selection criteria included the beauty of the colour, thegeneral appearance, as well as the physique.
Other competitions organised as part of the show include art aridphotographic competitions, covering equestrian and falconry topics.
Another category will involve an award for the best or most creative ideain hunting equipment.The fifth contest involves poets from the AGCC and from aroundthe world who have come up with pieces on falconry and horse riding.
