ABU DHABI: A farm near Moscow Aleksandr Vlasenko and his partner Yuri Tikhonov are spearheading a remarkable cultural and commercial bridge between the UAE and Russia through falcon breeders. Specialising in breeding rare falcons, they have attracted attention far beyond Russian borders, including in the Arab world, where falconry is deeply rooted in heritage.

Vlasenko is trying to connect Russian falcons with the UAE through his participation in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2024). This prestigious event, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, attracted falcon enthusiasts, breeders, and investors from across the globe. For Vlasenko, this is a pivotal moment.

“ADIHEX allows us to showcase our unique Russian falcons, and we’re proud to contribute to this ancient tradition, which is shared by both Russia and the UAE,” he told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

As Vlasenko explains, Russian falcons have a special appeal due to their strong bloodlines, forged in the cold northern climate.

“The UAE market is always looking for the best falcons for hunting and racing, and our birds offer both strength and endurance,” he said.

However, the journey to bring these falcons to the Gulf has not been without challenges. Long document processing in Russia sometimes slows the entry of the falcons into the UAE market. Yet, exhibitions like ADIHEX are changing the game. With thousands of visitors at ADIHEX 2024, the event offers amazing exposure for Russian breeders, giving them access to a market that values the exceptional qualities of their birds.

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Falconry is a symbol of prestige and tradition in the UAE, and through ADIHEX, Russian breeders like Vlasenko are finding new ways to strengthen ties between the two countries. The collaboration not only helps the falconry market but also serves as a cultural exchange, enr iching the shared heritage of the two countries.