Falconry

Falconry is an essential part of desert life and one of the oldest Emiratis’ traditional sports that has been practiced in the United Arab Emirates for centuries and it is still practiced nowadays.

In the past, falcons were used for hunting and supplying the Bedouin with some meat. Whereas now it is purely practiced as a sport.

Once a falcon is acquired, the falconer trains it. A leather cover is used to protect the falcon’s eyes. In the first few weeks, the falconer remains with the falcon all the time to establish a close relationship with the falcon. The falconer also names the bird and continually calls to it so that it comes to recognize his voice from long distances.

The sport of falconry is highly valued in the UAE and H. H. Sheikh Zayed has shown great concern and support for this important part of the UAE’s cultural. It is one of his favorite activities because it teaches endurance, strength and patience.
Falconry is also the favorite sport of young Emiratis.

Saif Alblooshi, 18-year-old, said that he learned the sport of falconry two years and it became one of his favorite hobbies.

 

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Talli

Some traditions are celebrated openly, such as yola dancing or camel racing. Others continue quietly and without spectacle; talli work is one of them.

Talli is a form of traditional Emirati embroidery. This art of embroidery has been practiced by women in the Emirates for so long, no one can be quite sure when it began. Although, Talli embroidery occurred long time ago but still common, popular and incorporated into the most fashionable designs.

It is used to beautify the collars and cuffs of women’s clothing.

In times before tailors, women needed to learn the skill of talli work to embellish their clothes. Older talli was made of real silver threads or pure gold threads. While nowadays’ talli is mostly made of synthetic materials.

Some traditions are celebrated openly, such as yola dancing or camel racing. Others continue quietly and without spectacle; talli work is one of them.

Talli is a form of traditional Emirati embroidery. This art of embroidery has been practiced by women in the Emirates for so long, no one can be quite sure when it began. Although, Talli embroidery occurred long time ago but still common, popular and incorporated into the most fashionable designs.

It is used to beautify the collars and cuffs of women’s clothing.

In times before tailors, women needed to learn the skill of talli work to embellish their clothes. Older talli was made of real silver threads or pure gold threads. While nowadays’ talli is mostly made of synthetic materials.

Ateeja Ali Al Muhairbi produces talli work, skilfully placing the spools of thread to create intricate designs for the collars and cuffs of dresses and other items of clothing.

The skill has even inspired poetry. One well-known Arabic verse runs:

“The one wearing the talli has captivated my heart,

With her long black hair flowing in the wind”.
 

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