Abu Dhabi's hunting exhibition helps protect wild falcons

'Thanks to the Exhibition, the vast majority of hunting falcons used in the UAE are hybrid,' said Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chair of the High Organising Committee for the Exhibition, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and board member of Emirates Falconers' Club (EFC).

'About 70% of hunters in the Arab Gulf now use hybrid falcons instead of wild ones, due to the influence of the previous Exhibitions,'

Mazrouei added during a meeting that was attended by falconers and falcon farm owners.

The Exhibition aimed at encouraging using hybrid falcons for hunting (which are just as efficient) to protect wild falcons from extinction.

The Exhibition, which grows lager each year, is considered the best opportunity for tens of thousands of hunters from the Gulf to meet annually and exchange their views and experiences.

Mazrouei said the Exhibition's organisers are doing their best to provide the necessary facilities for the visitors, including steps to make it easier to take out or bring in birds to the UAE by cooperating with airline companies for that purpose.

Following the success of a falcon charity auction organised by the EFC held last year, a similar auction will be held during the Exhibition this year, which will include the winners of the best falcon performance and beauty contests.

Mazrouei stressed that the strict health regulations for the Exhibition have kept the UAE falconry disease-free.

The exhibition, which is meant to highlight the culture and heritage of the United Arab Emirates, will see the participation of companies specialized in falcon medicines and treatment, falcon captive-breeding farms, as well as manufacturers of all equestrian sport accessories, hunting equipment, rifles, fishing equipment, marine equipment and tour and safari organisers.