LOC12:40
09:40 GMT
KUWAIT, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- The UAE World Falcon Racing Cup kicked off in Kuwait on Thursday under UAE's and International Falconry Federations supervision, with the presence and patronage of Minister of Information, Culture and State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi.
Speaking to KUNA, Chairman of the Board for the Kuwaiti Falconers' Association Saif Al-Shallahi said that the event, running until December 7, features seven races for falcons under one year old.
He noted this is the first time the championship is held outside the United Arab Emirates, following directives from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
He said prizes worth half a million dirhams (around KD 40,000) have been allocated to support and preserve this traditional sport, held at the Kuwait Camel Racing Club grounds.
Falconry, he added, remains a unifying Gulf heritage tied to identity and rooted in the traditions of past generations. (end)
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