(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) News report by Salem Al-Methen
ABU DHABI, Nov 1 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's hosting of the inaugural UAE World Falcon Racing Cup reflects the strength of relations and keenness on preserving heritage, said Emirati officials on Saturday.
The upcoming tournament from December 4 to 7 will be held in several categories, with the prizes totaling Dirham 500,000 (around KD 40,000).
Speaking to KUNA, the UAE Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Dr. Matar Al-Neyadi, affirmed that the UAE and Kuwait were eager to preserve Gulf history and the heritage, noting that ventures like the 1977-established Nabat Poets Diwaniya was founded by the late Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, with the late UAE President Sheikh Zayed Al-Nahyan attending the inauguration.
The upcoming World Falcons Racing Cup adds to the long tradition of joint cooperation, he affirmed.
For his part, the UAE Falconry Federation Secretary General and also Secretary General of the International Federation for Falconry Sports and Racing (IFFSR), Rashed bin Markhan Al-Ketbi, said that Kuwait has a strong base in the sport of falconry, and many participate in events held in the UAE.
He called on Gulf youths and citizens to preserve this sport and hand it down to future generations to maintain its history and tradition.
In a previous statement, Kuwait's Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi affirmed Saturday that all necessary resources have been mobilized to ensure the success of the inaugural UAE World Falcon Racing Cup, set to be hosted in Kuwait from December 4 to 7 under the supervision of the UAE and International Falcons Federations.
Al-Mutairi, who also chairs the tournament's Supreme Organizing Committee, highlighted the strong governmental support for this heritage event, which will be held at the Kuwait Camel Racing Club.
Similarly, Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Sports Bashar Abdullah told a press conference that Kuwait's hosting of the inaugural tournament was an honor and a huge responsibility.
He revealed that the tournamentآ's opening would witness a ceremony worthy of the event's status.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board for the Kuwaiti Falconers' Association Saif Al-Shalahi commended the organization of the upcoming tournament, saying it would add to the cultural heritage of both countries and help boost the status of the sports regionally and internationally.
Other editions of the tournament will be held around the world during the 2025-26 season, with Kuwait being the first to host the event. (end)
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