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Heritage Sports
The late Sheikh Zayed strongly supported heritage sports such as camel races, boat races, and equestrian sports, in a way that helped those sports to attain their appropriate stature.
Camel Races
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Camel races are very popular in the UAE due to the fact that many view camels as tied to their ancestor's past. This 'ship of the sea' as it was often called, was a main element in their ancestor's survival. The races give people a chance to connect with their Arab roots and have helped instill in the country's youth a sense of belonging and a link to their heritage, tradition and environment. Despite the big leap in construction and modernity during the past few years as well as the change in people’s customs, people of the UAE remain keen on preserving their heritage, especially their love for camels.
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In the past, it has been customary for the people of the UAE on certain occasions, to organize public camel races. Winners were awarded prizes and poetry for the occasion was read in public. The first winner was seen as noble, valiant, and courageous, while the owner of the winning camel was given much respect and honor.
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Yesterday's races were not like today's. The tracks were not as clear, facilities were not as modern or grand. Races were simple and held outside the village, on the bedouin routes. Competitions were limited and all camels, without exception for their age, were eligible to participate.Today, only certain marked tracks can be used. Camel jockeys must be above 18 years of age, according to a recently- issued UAE Federal Law. Those who fail to follow this law will face a penalty of no more than three years imprisonment.
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This sport has also begun to attract the interest of some European countries and elsewhere. From 1998-1999, three successful camel races were organized in Germany and Australia under the auspices of the UAE Camel Races Federation.
The coming years will see a novel improvement for this interesting sport in the UAE. A robot will replace the human camel jockey!
Falconry
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Falconry is more than just a sport in the UAE. It is an inseparable part of its rich history and heritage. Locally known as ganas (hunting), it has been practiced since the early days, first for the purpose of gaining daily nutrition, and then as a hobby or sport.
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Falconry as records, fossils, and old texts show, goes back to the early stages of human civilization. It has been known in the Arab region and the Gulf for 7000 years. It has been recognized in Eastern Asia throughout China, Japan, and Korea. It is also practiced throughout Europe and North America and is regarded as one of the noblest sports.
Falconry season in the Gulf area begins in the Fall, when the Houbara begins its migration to its breeding areas by the end of September and the beginning of October. By the end of March, when temperatures rise, they return to their homeland.
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Falconers mark the beginning of the season when the Suhail star appears in the sky. Temperatures begin to drop, desert plants turn green and water temperature also begins to drop. Scores of migrating sea and land birds start appearing around the warm shores of the Arabian Gulf. Such bird trips to the region are known in Arabic as “Lafw”, whereas their trips towards their wintering areas and their return are known as “obour” (crossing or transit).
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Arab falconers used to use the falcons, that were captured during their obour over the Arabian Peninsula, for hunting. They were able to tame these captured wild falcons to become good catchers and good companions in only a few days. Once the hunting season ends, these falcons are set free back into the wild.
In the past, this sport was performed on foot or while riding on the back of some animals. Hunting arenas were near, but today, they have become less. Today, hunters travel abroad long distances to practice their favorite sport.
Al Hurr is a significant type of falcon that was common in the past. Hurr refers to a group of types that have common characteristics, but vary in size, color and ability. It includes sub-types such as Shanghar, Sinari, Abyad, Adham, Ahmar, Safi Garoudi, Ahmar, Akhdar, and Ashqar.
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Shaheen is a Persian word meaning “scale”. It has been named so because it can not tolerate extra hanger or extra fullness. It is tamable and can learn, yet it needs tenderness when being dealt with. Shaheen is said to be more tender than broken glass, and tolerates exhaustion less than Hurr. However, it is the fastest among the carnivorous falcons in chasing prey in short distances, the best in maneuvering through the air and the most skilled in following the prey and returning to the falconer.
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The Shaheen has more than 27 sub-types! They include the black, the red, and the white. They prey on Karawan, Houbara, Hagal, dive, snakes, rabbits and sometimes antelopes.
Such types of falcons and prey have become under threat. So, the UAE has adopted several initiatives to protect those types such as the late Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme, which releases hundreds of falcons annually back into the wild after the hunting season is over. The Pro-Falcon project, based in Al Ain, was established in 1996, to encourage captive-falcon breeding as part of the UAE's efforts to multiply the falcon population in general. Apart from being the largest breeding project in the Middle East, the project is a haven for conserving wild falcons.
In order to protect and further falconry, the UAE has set up the Emirates Falconers' Club. The first of its kind in the Arab world, this Club serves as an umbrella for all falconers in the region. It aims to promote the sprit of sustainable hunting and spread awareness on the traits and habits of falcons, their life phases, their origins, and migrations.
Marine Sports
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The first sailing boat race took place in 1969 and since then marine sports have realized a remarkable success with annual races being organized. This success was culminated by the establishment of the Emirates Heritage Club.
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Equestrian
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The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation was established in April 1992, and the following year endurance tournaments were launched, as per directives of the late Sheikh Zayed. Horses participated side by side with the camels in the first endurance tournament for a distance of 40 km. in Dubai. Horses attained the first 15 ranks.Today, there are three centers, several endurance villages, and 22 clubs dedicated to horse riding. Endurance sports has become among the most popular sports in the UAE, where races even are organized by means of computerized timing devices, and are widely covered by the media.
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In less than ten years, the UAE has been recorded among the best countries in the world in organizing horse races, and has become a hub for the best horses, their owners, coaches, and riders.
Races are run throughout Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali and Ghantoot in Dubai and Sharjah. In addition to the famous Dubai World Cup, there are several fixed races that attract a number of the best horses.
Shooting
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In its first official participation, the UAE won fourth place in the 2nd Arab Shooting Championship in Syria. By 1999, the UAE had scored 24 medals including 8 gold, 9 silver and19 bronze in shooting contests. However, it was Sheikh Ahmad bin Hashar Al Maktoum who made Olympic history for the UAE when he bagged the gold medal in Athens 2004.
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