Meet Hamad Jassim Al Hammadi, a 9-year-old falconer stealing the show at Abu Dhabi exhibition

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— ADIHEX (@ADIHEX) September 5, 2025

9-year-old falconer

This year’s ADIHEX at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre had an unexpected star attraction. A nine-year-old falconer! Hamad Jassim Al Hammadi, who was seen handling falcons with ease, left many visitors awe-struck.

With a falcon perched confidently on his arm, Hamad displayed poise, skill, and a natural connection with his bird, something that even impressed seasoned falconers.

Falconry runs in the family

According to Al Kaleej, the young boy comes from a family that has a long history of falconry.

Hamad’s uncle, Rashid Al Hammadi, recalled that his father had served for more than three decades as a personal falconer to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the United Arab Emirates.

Their grandfather, Mohammed Khamees Al Hammadi, was among the trainers entrusted with Sheikh Zayed’s falcons. “We lived falconry with Sheikh Zayed for over thirty years,” he said. “It was an experience full of knowledge and pride. This hobby has been passed down from generation to generation.”

And Hamad, the latest member of the family to embrace the tradition, said his passion for falcons began the day one was born in front of him.

“I’ve watched it grow, and I’ve grown with it,” he said.

Falconry, known locally as “Al Saqr,” has been an integral part of Emirati culture for centuries.

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— ADIHEX (@ADIHEX) August 30, 2025

Once used for hunting in the desert, falcons still hold great significance in the region’s culture. Events like ADIHEX act as a venue for falcon auctions, where prized birds can fetch tens of thousands of dollars.