Lifestyle
Abu Dhabi issues new rules for falconry permits
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi has updated the legal requirements for owning and trading falcons ahead of the annual hunting season.
Abu Dhabi has introduced new mandatory registration and permit requirements for all falconers, affecting the ownership, transfer, and trade of birds. The new rules, enforced by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, are critical for anyone participating in the upcoming falconry season or attending ADIHEX.
Abu Dhabi has implemented a new permit system for the acquisition and ownership of falcons, formalising the legal requirements for enthusiasts and professionals in the emirate. The regulations, managed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), require all falconers to obtain a "Falcon’s Passport" for each bird they own, replacing previous documentation. This change aligns the UAE with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and aims to regulate the activity, which is central to the country's heritage. The new rules are particularly relevant for those planning to participate in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX). ## What are the new falconry rules? The core of the new regulation is the mandatory registration of all falcons with the EAD. Every falcon must be microchipped and issued a new Falcon’s Passport. This document serves as the official ownership certificate and is required for all transfers, sales, and participation in official events. The EAD now oversees the entire lifecycle of legally-owned falcons in the emirate, from registration to sale or death. ## Who do these rules apply to?…