Mohamed bin Zayed visits Al-Marzoum reserve

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces visited Al Marzoum Reserve in the Western Region yesterday.

Sheikh Mohamed toured the hunting areas of the reserve and inspected the facilities for the traditional hunting methods, including camel rides and falconry. He was briefed about the services offered to both professional and amateur falconers.

Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied during his tour by Major General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Committee for Festivals and Cultural and Heritage Programmes (CFCHP) in Abu Dhabi, Mohamed Ahmed Al Bowardi Al Falasi, Under-secretary of the Defence Ministry, Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, Major General Isa Saif bin Abalan Al Mazrouei, Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces and Lt. General Juma Ahmed Al Bowardi Al Falasi, Advisor to the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Brief presentations were made by Obaid Khalfan Al Mazroeui, Director of Events at the CFCHP and Ahmed bin Hayai Al Mansouri, Director of Al Marzoum Reserve about the role played by this wildlife sanctuary in enriching environmental awareness, as well as the activities and facilities offered to the visitors.

The presentations focused on Al Marzoum Reserve's objective of positioning Abu Dhabi as a global destination for falconry and for traditional sustainable hunting, as well as contributing in the Houbara (Chlamydotis undulata) breeding programmes. They also highlighted falconry as an essential part of the UAE's heritage and national identity.

Sheikh Mohamed lauded the efforts made at the reserve towards conservation of the cultural identity and sustainability of local environment and rich wildlife in the area.
Source: WAM