Abu Dhabi authorities update falconry regulations as part of sustainable hunting strategy in the emirate

Abu Dhabi has set out its strategy for sustainable hunting as part of efforts to preserve the Emirati tradition of falconry while protecting wildlife and the environment.

The Executive Council of Abu Dhabi has amended laws regulating hunting in the emirate to ensure the pastime continues to thrive in line with legal and environmental practices.

The directives, overseen by Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, ban hunting in protected areas, rangelands and near restricted areas.

The regulations state that only houbara bustards are to be used as prey, with hunting permitted using falcons licensed and registered with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Proof of their registration is to be submitted if requested.

Traditional hunting is restricted to open areas and must take place at least 2 kilometres from prohibited places such as nature reserves, forests, residential, military and petroleum production areas.

The agency has called on licence holders to abide by the specified hunting period, with permits issued for one season only.

It said it would start to license wild hunting for this season, which runs until February 28.

It is prohibited to hunt any kind of wild animal, the agency said.

“It is also forbidden to drive vehicles over and cause damage to vegetation,” it said.

“Furthermore, it is prohibited to transfer a hunting permit to another person.

“The permit must be carried while hunting and presented upon request.”

Those who want to obtain a wildlife hunting permit must be a UAE citizen aged 18 or older. Applications can be submitted to the agency by email.

The legislation seeks to set down a framework for hunting activities.

The agency wants to ensure they are in keeping with conservation and environmental policies in the emirate.

“The law contributes to protecting the heritage of falconry, protecting wild animals, preserving hunting areas and optimising wildlife resources and developing them according to an integrated vision that meets environmental sustainability standards,” the agency said.

“The law is in line with other local and federal environmental laws to ensure effective protection of biodiversity while maintaining local culture and traditions, directly or indirectly dependent on the natural resources.”

The regulations state that only houbara birds are to be used as prey, with hunting permitted using registered falcons