SHAMA AHMAD (ABU DHABI)
Bringing an end to hunting enthusiasts' wait, this year's falconry season kicked off on Sunday and will run until January 20, according to the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD).
According to EAD, regulations are in place to protect wildlife, safeguard the environment, and support the ancient art of falconry.
The history of falconry can be traced back over 4,000 years to the Bedouins in the UAE and the broader Arabian Peninsula.
They practised falconry as a vital hunting method in a resource-scarce environment. While it played a crucial role in society, its practice has evolved over time.
Today, it is considered one of the UAE's most cherished traditional sports and plays a significant role in preserving the nation's heritage.
The UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, practised falconry from a young age and was passionate about preserving the traditional sport for the coming generations.
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan actively promoted the traditional sport and was instrumental in promoting the traditional sport, launching numerous initiatives to support it, including the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Program and the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, which has become the largest falcon hospital in the world.
For Hamad Al Hamadi, an Emirati falconry enthusiast, the hobby embodies the symbols of the UAE and is a source of pride for every Emirati youth.
"Through the adventures of the hunting season, it teaches you patience and diligence, helping you become a skilled falconer," he told Aletihad.
Al Hamadi is finalising his preparations for the season, which include a 4x4 vehicle equipped with hunting gear such as tracking devices for the falcons and training equipment, portable kitchen supplies, and a desert tent for overnight stays in remote areas.
Fahad Alabbasi, another falconry practitioner, is eager to indulge in the thrill of the hunting season. Currently he's practising with Talwah, an object made of wings of the bustard tied together, used for training falcons.
"The next step is to train it with a drone to enhance its flying ability, especially when the weather cools down a bit. Both Talwah and the drone are essential training tools for boosting the falcon's fitness," he added.
According to falconry market experts, there is an increased interest in hunting and camping tools in general, starting from October until the end of the season.
Typically, the common hunting tools include a leather hood, to cover the head and eyes of the falcon, and a perch.
Offering a word of advice to beginners, Al Hammadi said that patience and responsibility are essential for mastering the skill.
"Learn the correct way to practise this hobby and choose locations that are authorised by the relevant authorities for falcon training," he said.
In the same vein, Alabbasi advised falconry enthusiasts to ensure their falcons are fully prepared and fit to avoid muscle strains from excessive flying.
Regular check-ups are crucial to ensure that the falcon is free from diseases so they can fully enjoy the hunting season.
"Following the regulations set by the authorities regarding hunting and adhering to all instructions in the hunting licence is essential to avoid any legal issues," he added.