Falconry isn't a historical curiosity in the UAE — it's a genuinely living tradition, practised, respected and formally protected today.
Falconry has deep roots in Bedouin desert life, where trained falcons helped hunt for food long before oil wealth transformed the region. Rather than fading into folklore, it remains an active, prestigious pursuit among Emiratis today, with UNESCO recognising falconry as an element of the UAE's intangible cultural heritage.
Falcons themselves hold genuine status symbol value, and it's not unusual to see them travelling with their owners, including on domestic flights with their own seat, or accompanying falconers at dedicated events and competitions held through the cooler months.
The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world, treats sick and injured falcons and offers guided tours explaining falcon care, training and the bird's role in Emirati culture — a genuinely interesting stop for visitors curious about this side of the country, well beyond what a museum display could convey.
Tours typically include a look at the hospital's clinical facilities and a chance to see falcons up close, sometimes including a falcon perched for photos, depending on the current tour format.
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