The falcon roundabout in Fujairah is appropriately located near the airport.Like other roundabout art in Fujairah this falcon is an Emirati icon.
It recalls the days when Bedouins trained their falcon to hunt down meat in the desert and it highlights the way that in contemporary life in the UAE, falconry is a heritage sport that is growing in popularity.
Old time Bedouin would have been flabbergasted if they had known that today’s falcon each possess their unique passport and a microchip to aid identification and to help counter the black market in falcon trade or what is commonly called ‘feathered cocaine’. They would also be amazed to learn of the astronomical prices that are being paid for the purchase of the finest falcon specimens.
Many Sheikhs of the Emirates (notably Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum) have shown a personal interest in the art of falconry and have done much to promote the sport and the care of falcons.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad al Sharqi in Fujairah is taking a practical interest in falconry and at a gathering of young falconers in Fujairah earlier this year at which his presence was an encouragement he was presented with a falcon.
Sheikh Maktoum’s support for traditional and modern sports was evident in the advertising material of the Maktoum Championships (2010) in which he appeared holding a falcon.
Some Fujairah businesses have adopted the word ‘falcon’ into their name (e.g. Falcon Resin and Adhesive Industry, Gulf Falcon Building Contractors), possibly to indicate to prospective clients that they possess the positive attributes of the falcon.
The falcon is an ancient symbol of strength, speed, focus, freedom and hope, which are all fine qualities to prize when one is driving around the golden falcon in Fujairah.
Further
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed—Leader With a Life Outside of Work, ETE, 24 July 2009.
Book Keeping Alive the Memory of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ETE, 3 November 2008.
The Falcon: An Emirati Icon, ETE, 26 August 2007.
Related
A New Fort Roundabout in Fujairah Would Tell UAE’s Best Kept Secret, FIF, 19 September 2010.
Discover What Fujairah is about from its Roundabouts, FIF, 3 September 2010. Fishing Lures People to Fujairah and Still They’re Getting Hooked, FIF, 14 September 2010.
It’s Time for the New Date Roundabout in Fujairah, FIF, 18 September 2010.
Geoff Pound
This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.
Image: “when one is driving around the golden falcon in Fujairah.”
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