Fishing and hunting lovers in the UAE no longer need to travel to different countries to practice their favorite hobby. About an hour drive from the capital Abu Dhabi (100-120 km) to the west, Al Dhafra area, they can find a "sniper" Traditional fishing in the UAE and the region is a unique heritage experience in which fishing and hunting are restored as practiced by ancestors, and return to nature away from the manifestations of modern civilization. The reserve, which is overseen by the Committee for the Management of Festivals and Cultural and Heritage Programs, is characterized by its adherence to traditional fishing and accommodation practices, which contribute to the preservation of the heritage of parents and grandparents, as well as its commitment to the laws of conservation and sustainability. And the movement of camels, and prevents the use of any weapons whatsoever during hunting. During its November to February season, the reserve receives visitors for a nominal fee. It also offers morning and evening fishing trips as desired by the visitors. The fishing takes place in a team with no more than five people accompanied by a professional fisherman Of the protected area. The camel is also protected by the camel. The protected area also provides four-wheel drive vehicles for fishermen. Some trips can be used on their own cars. The fisherman is also allowed to bring his own greyhounds for deer hunting. His skills in hunting and fishing His time, which is not achieved by participation in competitions for the Saluki only.

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A unique heritage experience

The area extends over 1,000 square kilometers. The reserve extends to give hunting lovers the opportunity to hunt deer with saluki dogs or to release their falcons to hunt houbara in the fishing areas. The rest of the area is a vast forest and a fishing net. The animals include birds, such as rabbits, deer and hippopotamuses, to reproduce safely, thus maintaining the balance of the environment. The forest also includes some 10 species of local plants that are present in the environment of the Emirates, especially the plant of Ghada, , Waha Y, and others.

After the fishing trip, the fishermen go to the camp area, where they can eat in the large council that is in the middle of the area, enjoy the siesta, and in the evening they can gather around the fire, The site also offers services such as Arabic cooking. There are also facilities for families with the necessary services while preserving their heritage and simple life.

Individuals and families

The director of the reserve, Ahmad Bin Haya Al Mansouri, told Emirates Al-Youm that Al-Marzoum received about 1000 people and families this season, which encouraged the management of the reserve to extend the season until yesterday, instead of mid-month. It can be caught in a specific number that stops after it. While more than 1,200 hibres can be allowed to be harvested per season, the number of rabbits allowed to catch between 250 and 300 is in season, and in turn more animals are released each season. Al-Mansouri added that the reserve, which was founded in 2015, is complemented by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's approach, which enjoys great support to achieve its objectives, namely preserving heritage and supporting the traditional and traditional sports of the UAE people, such as traditional fishing methods and falconry. And to ensure the sustainability of the local environment and raising public awareness. As well as the role played by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to consolidate the principles of sustainable fishing, and to achieve a balance that guarantees the continuation of normal life and preservation of the animals and plants in them and prevent them from extinction.

Challenges

"The work of the Marzoum reserve has not been challenged," said Mansouri, who explained that among the most prominent of these challenges was the refusal of fishing enthusiasts to have a law regulating their practice and specifying the appropriate place and time to practice them. "The sponsor does not like the law, In the course of the practice of his hobby with instructions, but in turn left it completely free to the desire of fishermen can lead to the destruction of the environment, and there are cases in different countries was overfishing the cause of the disappearance of the bush and the environment there needs to be rehabilitated », stressing that it is now four years after the opening He was born; fishing enthusiasts became more accepting Laws, and more aware of the benefits of sustainable fishing and its importance to preserve the environment and the wealth of nature.

Development Plans

Al Mansouri said that there are many plans for the development of Al-Marzoum reserve, which will be announced later, and aims at the continuous development of the reserve and its services, while preserving its traditional heritage. The selection of the reserve season from November to mid- This is in line with the period of moderate weather in the region so that the fisherman does not feel tired from the heat, and also because the period of rest coincides with the period of cessation of hunting birds, as falcons changed their feathers after the month of March almost; considering that the period of cessation of diet activity is an opportunity to comfort the place of visitors and cars , And the reproduction of animals and birds in them. And the plans to promote the place to attract more visitors. He pointed out that it focuses on advertising among the specialists by hosting fishing enthusiasts to test themselves the unique experience of the reserve, adding that everyone who hosted the place returned to it again, and with them more friends and acquaintances amateur Fishing, to live the same unique experience.

Terms and laws

The Marzoum Protected Area sets a set of conditions and laws for visitors to abide by. The most important of these is not to cause any damage to the protected area and its contents of animals, birds and plants, and not to cause any disturbance or harm to wildlife, trees or plants, and to cause harm to the place and its contents. For his actions of harm, and if he insists on repeating his actions is prohibited from hunting.

The reserve offers falconry opportunities within a legal framework, as well as the opportunity to catch rabbits and houbara birds, which are provided by well-known propagation centers within an approved and organized framework, and not from the wild. The hunting of wild birds in the wild is illegal, , And what goes beyond fishing outside the state. The fishing area is surrounded by a large nature reserve. There are also several high points that can be used to view the nature and animals on the site. The reserve contains the natural vegetation of Abu Dhabi.

Four years after the opening of the reserve, fishing enthusiasts became more aware of the benefits and importance of sustainable fishing.

1000

A visitor to the park in its last season, which was extended because of the turnout of individuals and families.

2015

The year in which the park, which supports UAE heritage sports, was opened.

Ahmed bin Haya Al Mansouri:

"Everyone who hosted them returned with more friends from fishing enthusiasts to live the same experience."