UAE-Japan Falconry Program Strengthens Cultural Ties
In February, the United Arab Emirates and Japan concluded their second annual shared falconry program. With both countries enjoying a long history in regard to the ancient hunting method, the meeting had multiple aims.
Both Japan and the UAE are looking to strengthen their cultural ties while, at the same time, the goal is to spread the tradition of falconry to a wider world.
2025 Edition
Following the 2024 event in Abu Dhabi, this year saw a switch to Japan, with the city of Ichihara taking on hosting duties. The program was, once again, fully supported by the Emirates Falconry Club and its Chairman, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Many of the established experts in UAE and Japanese falconry took part in the event, and the latest crop of aspiring handlers was also involved. The program was extended to include students from two of the top falconry schools in each country—the Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys and the Suwa School of Falconry in Japan.
By involving students in the cross-country program, the future of falconry continues to be assured.
Building on 2024’s Pathway
The UAE-Japan Falconry Program first took place in January 2024, with the event hosted by Abu Dhabi in Remah Al Ain. The meeting was the first in a strategic alliance between the Japanese INPEX-JODCO Foundation and the Emirates Falconers Club.
For four days, between January 5 and 8, Emirati and Japanese falconers joined forces to showcase this historical activity. Speaking ahead of the inaugural event, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers Club, Majid Ali Al Mansouri, said
“We expect a rich exchange of practical skills that serve to establish lasting communication and to celebrate together the rich tapestry of Emirati and Japanese falconry traditions.”
The original event achieved its aims, and the 2025 program simply built on those foundations.
Annual Falconry Program Hailed as a Success
At the conclusion of the 2025 falconry program, all participants were awarded certificates from the Japanese delegation. Their attendance was rewarded in this way as a thank you for preserving this traditional activity while helping to ensure that sustainability continues to form an essential part of falconry.
The safeguarding of falconry practices was also acknowledged, along with the efforts that all parties had taken to showcase this shared cultural heritage.
The future for falconry in both Japan and the United Arab Emirates looks positive, and while there are no reported dates for a 2026 shared event, it seems certain that the program will continue.
Expanded programs involving other countries may also help spread awareness and preserve this ancient cultural tradition. That’s speculation for the future, but it’s clear that the first two UAE-Japan events have achieved their aims, and it will be great to see them build on their early successes.
