Mohammed Bin Rashid attends Al Salam Cycling Championship's Desert Race
Organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre at its special facility in Al Habbab, this year's competition featured substantial participation from across the UAE and the wider region and an overall prize pool exceeding Dhs23 million with audiences treated to some highly entertaining matchups and thrilling finishes.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum crowned the top three winners in the six races involving elite falconers. The elite falconers showcased the fine traditions of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Falconry Cup, getting over 200 competing falcons representing the very best in the competition to put on some remarkable displays.
The ceremony was attended by Fares Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Adviser at the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Falconers' Club; Matar Hamed Al Neyadi, UAE Ambassador to Kuwait; Rashid Mubarak Al Murkhan Al Ketbi, Vice President of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center, and Secretary-General of the UAE Falconry Federation; Rashid Harib Al Khousouni, Director of Fazza Championship Department at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center; and Dhamithan bin Suwaidan, Head of the Organising Committee for the Championship.
The anticipation was high for the 'Cup' races of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Falconry Cup, which are considered among the most prestigious in the sport of falconry, with each race offering prizes worth Dhs1 million. These included the Sheikh's Cup, and the Open Cup for owners who fielded young falcons.
The Al Nif team ultimately triumphed, claiming the first place in the Sheikh's Cup for young falcons with the falcon Helman clocking 18.409 seconds, earning a prize of Dhs500,000. The second and third places were taken by the M7 team with the falcon S 359 finishing in a time of 18.448 seconds to claim an Dhs300,000 prize and the falcon Al Mehlal clocking 18.468 seconds for the prize of Dhs200,000.
Ghadir Bin Ghadir Al Ketbi won the Open Cup for young falcons with his bird Limitid, which recorded a time of 18.153 seconds. The second and third positions went to Abdullah Khalfan Al Qubaisi with the falcon 281 turning in a time of 18.202 seconds and another entry named Hacker finishing in 18.388 seconds.
In the Owners' Open Cup, Mubarak Matar Al Khaili took first place with his falcon 11 clocking 18.491 seconds, while Abdullah Abdul Aziz Al Kendi took second place with the falcon Al Muheet finishing in 18.529 seconds. The third position went to Khalifa Sultan Al Haffari with his falcon Hab Reeh clocking 18.650 seconds.
In the Elite races, which featured prizes amounting to Dhs1.35 million, the M7 team claimed the first and second places in the Elite Sheikh's Gyrfalcon Race with the falcon Ramah clocking 14.529 seconds and the bird T 139 finishing in 14.997 seconds. The third place went to the F3S team with falcon B 64 achieving a time of 15.024 seconds.
The Dubai team excelled in the Elite Open Gyrfalcon Race, with the falcon Tajouri achieving 14.929 seconds. The second place was secured by Abdullah Khalfan Al Qubaisi with the falcon 18 finishing in 15.186 seconds. The third place went to Hamid Mohammed Al Tayir with the falcon Bayan clocking 15.238 seconds.
In the Elite Owners' Gyrfalcon Race, Rashid Suhail Al Marri took first place with his falcon Nashmi clocking 15.377 seconds, followed by Ghadir Mohammed Al Mansoori in second place with the falcon Iqab at 15.446 seconds, and Jumaa Abdullah Al Falahi who was placed third with the falcon T 4 finishing in 15.618 seconds.
Rashid Mubarak Al Murkhan Al Ketbi, Vice President of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center and Secretary-General of the UAE Falconry Federation, applauded the Mohammed Bin Rashid Falconry Cup for its prestigious status and exceptional success in promoting the heritage sport and the lofty standards it continued to set. The event continues to create a strong impression year after year, inspiring participants from around the world to pursue excellence in a sport that highlights the UAE's rich history and traditions and strengthens its national identity, he said.
Al Ketbi also acknowledged the staunch support of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the sport, emphasising that his presence at the event and involvement in such sporting events clearly demonstrated the leadership's commitment to supporting the heritage sport of falconry.
The leadership's constant support and commitment has directly contributed to enhancing the level of competition, driving impressive results for the sport both locally and internationally, he noted.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
an hour ago
- Gulf Today
Abu Dhabi to host 2025 IFMA Youth World Muay Thai Championship in September
For the first time in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi will host the 2025 IFMA Youth World Muay Thai Championship from the 10th to the 20th of September 2025, at Space 42 Arena in Al Raha Beach, a landmark step that further solidifies the UAE's global standing in hosting world-class sporting events. The official announcement was made during a joint press event by the International Federation of Muay Thai Associations (IFMA) and the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, following the signing of the official hosting agreement at Space 42 Arena. The agreement was signed by Stephen Fox, Secretary-General of IFMA, and Tariq Mohammed Al Mehairi, Board Member of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation and Secretary-General of the Arab Muay Thai Federation. Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi, President of the Asian and Arab Muay Thai Federations and President of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, stated: 'Abu Dhabi's hosting of the Youth World Muay Thai Championship reflects the prestigious standing the UAE has attained globally in organizing major international sports events, thanks to the visionary leadership and boundless support of the wise leadership.' He affirmed that this global event is a continuation of the UAE's achievements across all fields, including sports, which enjoys generous support and exceptional care from the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Their roles have advanced the UAE's sporting journey to unprecedented international achievements. He added: 'We continue to work under a clear strategy to establish Abu Dhabi as a global capital for combat sports and enhance the UAE's presence on the international sports map by hosting championships that meet the highest organizational and technical standards.' He concluded: 'We are committed to delivering an exceptional edition of the Youth World Muay Thai Championship that honors the UAE's name and meets the aspirations of our wise leadership and the youth of the nation. Through this event, we also aim to expand the reach of Muay Thai across the Arab world, Asia, and globally from the UAE.' Stephen Fox, Secretary-General of IFMA, said: 'I am honored to be here in Abu Dhabi at Space 42 Arena, an exceptional sports venue, to finalize the agreement for the largest Youth World Muay Thai Championship in history. We have full confidence in the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation to deliver an outstanding tournament. Abu Dhabi has continually set new benchmarks in hosting major events, and this will be no exception.' 'This championship is expected to attract over 100 national teams and 1,500 young athletes from various age groups. The trust placed in Abu Dhabi by the global Muay Thai community is a testament to the UAE's credibility, hospitality, and top-tier facilities. Families worldwide are confident in sending their children to this edition of the championship.' 'I extend heartfelt thanks to Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi for this historic opportunity to inspire the next generation of Muay Thai athletes. Hosting the event at Space 42 Arena, one of the finest venues globally, ensures the championship will meet the highest international standards.' 'We know that the event is strongly supported by the global Muay Thai community as well as UAE government institutions. We are proud of the successful and fruitful partnership with the UAE Federation, which has organized multiple world-class, continental, and regional events to the highest standard.' Tariq Mohammed Al Mehairi added: 'The UAE Federation has completed the hosting agreement with IFMA as part of its ongoing development strategies under the leadership of His Excellency Abdullah Saeed Al Neyadi. We highly value the IFMA family's vote of confidence and the international trust placed in the UAE, which reflects the country's esteemed reputation and the Federation's proven organizational record in hosting acclaimed Asian and world championships.' 'The championship will be held at Space 42 Arena, a premier sports facility, and will welcome 1,500 athletes across all age groups. It is being organized in cooperation with IFMA to expand the sport's footprint in the Arab world.' 'We also thank Stephen Fox for attending the ceremony, and we wish all the participating teams success in the tournament, especially our national team. Preparations confirm that Abu Dhabi is ready to host this prestigious global event.'
Gulf Today
an hour ago
- Gulf Today
Denny Hamlin survives rain delay, overtime finish to win for 2nd straight year at Dover
Denny Hamlin balked when a surfboard he was asked to sign for charity was placed on the floor. At his age, Hamlin cracked, he might not be able to get back up. The 44-year-old driver had similar aging concerns a night earlier when the picture on the TV he watched as he started to doze off seemed a bit fuzzy. "I'm not losing my eyesight am I?' Hamlin said. Hamlin's vision was on point Sunday at Dover - his sights set firmly on victory lane. Hamlin can eliminate distractions and succeed like few drivers in the series can can do: He shook off a setback in his court battle with NASCAR, shrugged off old tire concerns once he took a late lead ahead of a rain delay, and survived a late charge from his teammate to go back-to-back at Dover Motor Speedway for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver's series-best fourth victory of the season. "I just love that I'm able to still do it at a high level,' Hamlin said. "Every morning when I wake up, I just hope I still got what I had yesterday.' Hamlin won in the No. 11 Toyota for the second straight time at Dover to add to wins this season at Martinsville, Darlington and Michigan. Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, and Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 Rheem Toyota, race during the NASCAR Cup Series AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 in Dover, Delaware. Hamlin has 58 NASCAR Cup Series victories, leaving him two short of Kevin Harvick for 10th on the career list. The veteran Virginia driver might hit that mark this season as he chases his first career Cup championship. Hamlin is on NASCAR's short list of greatest drivers to never win a championship. He won't let the void on an otherwise stellar resume full of Hall of Fame credentials define how he feels about his career. Hamlin says, it's trophies, not titles, not he celebrates the most "If we do, we do. If we don't, we don't,' Hamlin said. "I care about wins. I want more trophies, more trophies, more trophies. When I'm done, I want to be in the list of that top-10 all-time winners. That will mean more than any other accomplishment.' Hamlin took the checkered flag days after he suffered a setback in court with his own 23XI Racing team's federal antitrust suit against NASCAR. On Thursday, a federal judge rejected a request from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to continue racing with charters while they battle NASCAR in court, meaning their six cars will race as open entries this weekend at Dover, next week at Indianapolis and perhaps longer than that in a move the teams say would put them at risk of going out of business. Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane. Hamlin vowed this weekend "all will be exposed' if the case goes to its scheduled Dec. 1 trial date. The courtroom drama hasn't affected Hamlin's performance on the track. Hamlin held off JGR teammate Chase Briscoe for the victory. Hendrick Motorsports drivers took the next two spots, with Alex Bowman third and Kyle Larson fourth. "I thought I did everything I needed to,' Briscoe said. "I thought I had him there for a second. I wish the Camry, the back, was about 3 inches shorter. I was so close to clearing him. I just couldn't do it. Obviously, racing a teammate, I wanted to make sure at least a JGR car won.' Hamlin held off Kyle Larson down the stretch last season to earn the second of his three career wins at the Monster Mile. The first July Cup race at Dover since 1969 started with steamy weather and drivers battled the conditions inside the car during a relatively clean race until rain fell late and red-flagged the race with 14 laps left. Hamlin said the during the break changed his firesuit - temperatures inside the car soared to 140 degrees, and sweat kept dripping inside his visor. He also returned to the car after the 56-minute delay with old tires. Hamlin - who was the betting favorite to win, per BETMGM Sportsbook -- had enough to win on cool tires at Dover and park the Toyota in victory lane. There was never any real consideration to pit with the lead for fresh tires. "We need wins,' crew chief Chris Gayle said. "How can we manufacture some way to give ourselves more opportunity for that to happen? Might not pan out, but we definitely weren't going to do it doing the same thing as everybody else. That was our train of thought there and thankfully it worked out and we held on.' He became the 19th Cup driver to win three times at Dover and the 13th driver to win consecutive races on the mile concrete track. Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 Rheem Toyota, spins after an on-track incident as Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Progressive Toyota, leads the field in overtime. Photos: AFP "I just studied some of the greats here,' Hamlin said. "I was very fortunate to have Martin Truex as a teammate. Jimmie Johnson, watching him win (11) times here. You learn from the greats and you change your game to match it, you have success like this.' The Tys have it in NASCAR. It's Ty Gibbs vs. Ty Dillon next week at Indianapolis to decide the first winner in NASCAR's $1 million mid-season tournament. NASCAR seeded 32 drivers for the first In-season Challenge, a five-race, bracket-style tournament that mirrors the NCAA basketball tournaments. Both drivers are winless and Dillon made it as the No. 32 seed. Gibbs finished fifth Sunday for JGR. John Hunter Nemechek and Tyler Reddick were eliminated. Joey Logano finished 14th for Team Penske in his 600th career start. Logano has made every start since the 2009, 597 straight, putting him within striking distance of Jeff Gordon's Cup record of 797 straight starts. Logano was 35 years, 1 month, 26 days old when he hits No. 600 on Sunday, making him the youngest driver to reach that milestone. He topped seven-time NASCAR champion and Hall of Famer Richard Petty by six months. Petty is the only driver to have won his 600th start. It's off to Indianapolis Motor Speedway where Kyle Larson won last season on the oval after a four-year break on the road course. Associated Press
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Gulf Today
At least 1,000 camels compete in Sharjah 1,500 metre race
Under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Al Dhaid Camel Race Track hosted the Fatameen race for locally bred camels on Saturday. The event was organised and supervised by the Sharjah Camel Racing Club. A total of 1,000 young camels bred by members of local tribes competed across 18 heats, including eight for female participants from Al Dhaid, six in the open category, and four in the Saoub class. The race covered a distance of 1,500 metres. The event highlighted the growing enthusiasm for camel racing in Sharjah and the continued support of traditional heritage sports. WAM
