The participation of the Ministry of Environment and Water at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2012 was a tremendous success for the third time in a row, with the number of certification of CITES (import, export and re-export permits of endangered animals and plants) for 2012 has increased by 20% through issuing 65 certificates compared to the last year, for approximately 250 falcons were circulated at the exhibition.

The number of visitors to the Ministry of Environment and Water platform in the exhibition has increased significantly this year by up to 50% compared with the previous year, with visitors from within or outside the country.

   Mr. Mubarak Salim Mubarak, the  Director of the Western Region at the Ministry, commented that the team has presented during the exhibition many information regarding the organization and control of endangered animals and plants international trade, introduced laws and regulations that fall under CITES, raised the audience awareness of the import and export procedures for endangered species, and offered consultations and general information for visitors regarding the import of pets and birds.

   The Ministry of Environment and Water confirmed to all participants to obtain CITES certificates or permits (for the animals) like live and stuffed bustards, leather and hunting trophies, and that certificates for importing birds or animals or their derivatives that fall under the Convention lists, must be issued from the administrative authority that is represented by the Ministry of Environment and Water, and that before animals  import and display at the exhibition, while export certificates must be issued by the authority concerned with applying the Convention in the exporting country. In addition, the initial accreditation or registration of distributed falcons in the withdraw associated with the exhibition events, at the UAE CITES Office booth located in the exhibition, so that the process of transferring the ownership of the falcon to the new owner becomes easier and within the approved procedures.