The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the world's first and largest specialized hospital for treating falcons, the national bird of the UAE. Since opening in 1999 under the guidance of renowned German veterinarians, this unique facility handles up to 6,000 cases annually and features 200 air-conditioned treatment rooms.
The falcon, as a cultural symbol of the UAE's capital, owes part of its significance to its hunting skills and personality. In fact, the connection between falcons and falconry with Emirati culture dates back centuries. This hunting bird played a vital role in the lives of the Bedouin (Arab nomads), who used falcons to catch animals like bustards and snipes for food. Today, falconry enjoys immense popularity, with these prized birds holding issued passports and receiving premium check-up, healing, and molting services.
Falconry requires patience and cooperation between the handler and the bird. Gentle and compassionate treatment helps gain the falcon's trust and obedience. Falconers in the UAE have developed unique breeding and rearing methods over the years. The falconry experience allows you to personally explore this ancient tradition.
While most desert safari experiences offer opportunities to explore falconry, we highly recommend the falcon tour provided by this award-winning specialist hospital. You can visit the luxury wards housing captive falcons, explore the themed museum dedicated to the noble desert sport of falconry, and even try the sport yourself in the hospital's lush gardens. You can also watch falcons diving freely in their spacious aviaries, observe falcons receiving claw care, or make friends with one or two falcons perched on your arm.
Bookable time slots: Daily (closed on Saturdays): 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, each slot lasts 2 hours.
