Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the representative of the Abu Dhabi ruler in the Al Dhafra region and the chairman of the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi, has announced the extension of the traditional hunting season for falcons in Abu Dhabi. This season will commence on October 20, 2025, and continue until February 5, 2026, under Decision No. 7 of 2025. This decision underscores the agency’s commitment to regulate falconry as a deeply rooted traditional sport within the cultural heritage of the UAE.
The agency highlighted that traditional falcon hunting is permitted exclusively for licensed falconers during the 2025-2026 season, ensuring that this practice is carried out within a legal framework that preserves ecological balance.
Falcon hunting is restricted to open areas in Abu Dhabi, with a mandatory distance of at least 2 kilometers away from main and secondary roads, as well as from prohibited zones that include reserves, forests, residential, military, oil facilities, and special areas.
As part of its commitment to instill authentic Arab heritage values in current and future generations and encourage them to engage in falconry within legal and environmental guidelines, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi is responsible for issuing falcon hunting licenses based on Decision No. 5 of 2021 regarding amendments to certain provisions of the wildlife hunting regulation. This initiative supports the hunting sector and strengthens the preservation of falconry as a significant element of the country’s traditional heritage.
To obtain a falcon hunting license, applicants must be citizens of the United Arab Emirates, at least 18 years old, and must have their falcon registered in the national falcon registration system managed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
The traditional falcon hunting license can be obtained through the Tam app or the official website using digital identification.
Upon applying, candidates will receive their traditional hunting license electronically through the Tam system by selecting environmental conservation services, then the falcon hunting license issuance service, agreeing to the terms and conditions, and paying a fee of 127 dirhams for the season.
The agency emphasizes the importance of falconers adhering to the environmental conditions outlined in their license, practicing traditional hunting from sunrise to sunset, and respecting the designated timeframe for the 2025-2026 hunting season, as licenses are valid for one season only.