Is there anywhere in the world that HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum hasn’t visited? In recent months, the jet-setting royal has been on a well-documented expedition of the globe, simultaneously fueling our wanderlust in the process with the jaw-dropping images he routinely shares on his Instagram account. From exploring off-road trekking in Tanzania to exploring unique Mongolian gastronomy, the Crown Prince of Dubai’s social media feed is a virtual look into all of the beauty the world has to offer. Now, it appears that the seasoned traveler, who is affectionately known as Fazza to his legions of followers, is currently in Uzbekistan, if his series of envy-inducing snaps on Instagram is anything to go by. But what exactly is he doing there?
As unconventional as the destination may seem, Central Asia is actually a highly-favored location for Middle Eastern royalty and lovers of falconry. In fact, Uzbekistan has for years offered a unique service to avid falconers by allowing hunting in the wild, which could explain the series of images of the Saker falcon posted on the young royal’s Instagram account. The timing makes sense too. In the UAE, hunting season kicks off in October, when the majestic birds from Iran and Pakistan start migrating south for the winter.
The Crown Prince is known to be an avid lover of the majestic bird, which is the national emblem of the UAE. In the early 2000s, the young royal joined forces with the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre (HHC) to introduce the Fazza Championship for Falconry in a bid to revive the ancient sport. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was an avid conservationist, imparted that the sport of falconry teaches patience and strength. This is certainly true, as training a falcon to catch prey can take up to three months, with the falconer and falcon developing a uniquely strong bond as they often spend night and day together.
A great deal of importance is placed on these birds – so much so that Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s largest and most advanced falcon hospital, with a museum dedicated to falcons. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, launched a multi-million dollar initiative in April to help prevent the endangered animals from being killed by electrical power lines. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates boasts the largest, most diverse, and well-funded wildlife conservation and environmental protection program in the region.
Now Read: How HRH Princess Haya Has Reached Out to Those in Need in Indonesia
