Falconry now permitted in Al Marzoum

Traditional hunting enthusiasts have now been permitted to enter the protected area of Al Marzoum in Al Gharbia in Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi government has declared Al Marzoum in Al Gharbia – The Western Region – as a special area for hunting using traditional techniques such as dogs and falcons. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Festivals

ABU DHABI // Traditional hunting enthusiasts are now permitted to enter the protected area of Al Marzoum in Al Gharbia in Abu Dhabi.

Al Marzoum has been designated a special area for the practice of hunting houbara and rabbits using falcons.

The area will be open year round for nationals, visitors and tourists to enjoy the picturesque environment while hunting, in exchange for a small fee. The fee has not yet been announced.

Faris Al Mazrouei, chairman of the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee, Abu Dhabi said: “At Al Marzoum, the visitors can hunt houbara bustards and wild rabbits while strolling in the vast protected area.” Hunters will no longer have to travel abroad to pursue their favourite sport, Mr Al Mazrouei said.

This initiative was launched under directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club.

The opening of Al Marzoum is also aimed at providing the public a unique cultural and tourist experience and to transform the emirate of Abu Dhabi into a top destination for lovers of falconry.

In February, Sheikh Hamdan released 80 Asian houbara in Al Marzoum.

Further details about public access to the protected area will be revealed at Al Dhafra Festival, which will run from December 7 to 30 in Madinat Zayed in Al Gharbia.