In Pictures: Cultural But Controversial UAE Bullfighting
In Pictures: Cultural But Controversial UAE Bullfighting
Published February 23rd, 2022 - 11:18 GMT
An Emirati trainer monitors a bullfight in al-Qurayyah, north of Fujairah in the UAE. (Photo by Karim Sahib / AFP)
In the United Arab Emirates city Fujairah, cattle breeders take part in a cultural but contentious tradition that has been enjoyed for generations: bullfighting. The breeders pit bull against bull in brief displays of strength to entertain crowds of onlooking Emiratis and show whose bull is superior.
And while this tradition differs from bullfighting in Spain where it’s man vs. bull and the bull is usually killed, bullfighting in the UAE is still surrounded by controversy.
The bulls face injury during the fights and UAE animal rights groups have condemned bullfighting as little more than acts of animal cruelty for entertainment. However, UAE bullfighting fans argue back that it's a practice steeped in tradition, the bulls are treated well and the injuries if sustained are minor.
Emirati men corral a bull before the start of a traditional bullfight in Fujairah. (Photo by Giuseppe Cacace / AFP)
Emirati men surrounding a bull before the start of a traditional bullfight in Fujairah. (Photo by Giuseppe Cacace / AFP)
Bulls lock horns during a traditional bullfight in Fujairah. (Photo by Giuseppe Cacace / AFP)
Bulls lock horns during a traditional bullfight in Fujairah. (Photo by Giuseppe Cacace / AFP)
An Emirati trainer pulls on a bull during a traditional bullfight north of Fujairah. (Photo by Karim Sahib / AFP)
A bull is tied up before competing in a traditional Emirati bullfight north of Fujairah. (Photo by Karim Sahib / AFP)
An Emirati handler prepares bulls to compete in a traditional bullfight north of Fujairah. (Photo by Karim Sahib / AFP)
An Emirati trainer monitors a traditional bullfight north of Fujairah. (Photo by Karim Sahib / AFP)
