The falconry season in Abu Dhabi is set to commence on October 20, as announced by the authorities on Wednesday. Licensed falconers will have the opportunity to hunt captive-bred Houbara bustard until January 20. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has outlined that the three-month season is designed to ensure that traditional hunting practices are conducted within specific legal and environmental frameworks. Hunting activities are confined to open areas within Abu Dhabi and must maintain a minimum distance of 2km from main and secondary roads, prohibited and private zones, forests, protected regions, petroleum and military installations, and residential communities.
The agency is responsible for issuing falconry licenses in accordance with all pertinent hunting laws. To qualify for a falconry license, applicants must be citizens of at least 18 years of age. Additionally, any falcons utilized in the hunt must be registered with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Falconers are required to apply for a traditional hunting license via the TAMM platform. License holders must strictly adhere to all environmental regulations and are only permitted to hunt between sunrise and sunset.
The law explicitly forbids hunting any wild animals, birds, or reptiles within the emirate and prohibits causing any disturbance to them. Furthermore, it is illegal to drive vehicles on vegetation or cause damage to it. Hunting is restricted to the licensee alone, and the transfer of hunting rights to another individual is not permissible. The license must be carried during hunting activities and presented to the appropriate authority upon request.
Falconry, locally referred to as Al Saqara, holds a cherished place as a traditional sport in the UAE. As detailed in a previous report, falcons traversing the Arabian peninsula were historically captured and tamed to become highly skilled predators during the onset of winter. Falconers would train their birds to hunt, thereby contributing to the sustenance of their families.
