Falconing for sport
A man drives with his falcon in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 3, 2015.
Traditionally a way of obtaining food, Falconry today has become more of a national sport and a rite of passage for many young Emirati men, who take their time to train their falcons, developing a relationship and deep bond with the birds.
Groups of friends regularly come together in the evenings to meet and train their birds where the practice becomes more about camaraderie and sharing knowledge than subsistence.
The practice of falconry was recognized by UNESCO in 2012 under the 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity' list.
The national emblem of the United Arab Emirates is comprised of a golden Falcon holding onto a red parchment, which depicts the name of the country.
Falconing in UAE
A falcon wearing a hood for sale in a shop in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The hood helps keep the bird calm.
Falconing in UAE
Emirati men prepare to use a small helicopter drone to take a lure up before letting their falcons catch it in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Falconing in UAE
A falcon sits on a perch before being flown during an evening training session in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Falconing in UAE
A Falcon is fed after being attracted to a lure during an evening training session in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Traditionally a way of obtaining food, falconry today has become more of a national sport and a rite of passage for many young Emirati men, who take their time to train their falcons, developing a relationship and deep bond with the birds.
Falconing in UAE
"Falcon Power" is used to rub onto meat and lures.
Falconing in UAE
Falcon leg restraints, also called jesses, hang in a shop in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Falconing in UAE
A young man stands with his falcon at twilight in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Falconing in UAE
A GPS device is fitted to a falcon.
Falconing in UAE
A GPS device is fitted to a falcon.
Falconing in UAE
Emirati men arrive in a 4x4 to train their Falcon in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Falconing in UAE
A pigeon is ready to be released for a falcon to chase in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Traditionally a way of obtaining food, falconry today has become more of a national sport and a rite of passage for many young Emirati men.
Falconing in UAE
Emirati men watch as a small helicopter drone takes a lure consisting of a bundle of feathers up before letting their falcons catch it, February 3, 2015.
Falconing in UAE
A falcon catches bait from a helicopter drone before returning to the ground with a small parachute.
Falconing in UAE
A store clerk displays leather falcon hoods for sale in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Falconing in UAE
Leather falcon hoods are on sale in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Falconing in UAE
A man displays falcons for sale in a shop in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Falconing in UAE
Falcons for sale in a shop in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Falconing in UAE
Falcons for sale in a shop in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Falconing in UAE
Saif Al Kendi is illuminated by brakes lights with his saker falcon in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 3, 2015.
The practice of falconry was recognized by UNESCO in 2012 under the 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity' list.