Falconry isn’t just a sport of the past in United Arab Emirates. Owning a falcon is a matter of pride. In fact, a falcon can cost up to $60,000 USD a bird. Kevin and I were invited to check out Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Hospital, considered the world’s top center in falconry medicine. Falconry has played a big role in Emirati and Middle Eastern culture where Bedouin hunters used these majestic birds to hunt for food. We were thrilled to get a peek inside. And let’s just say, they’re treated very well. The facilities are nicer than many doctors offices we’ve gone to. Check out our falcon experience below.

A Falconry Museum: Kicking Off the Tour at Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Hospital

The Falcon Hospital offers a guided 2 hour tour twice a day (Sunday – Thursday at 10 AM and 2 PM). You’ll get a firsthand look at the facilities that treat thousands of birds each year. The place has expanded substantially since it first opened in 1999. It now houses an animal shelter that accommodates hundreds of stray cats and dogs (driven largely by the foreign expat community). Before joining this incredibly informative tour, we had no idea about the deep heritage of falconry. The museum gives a great overview on their national bird along with the special tools and equipment needed.

One of the in-depth displays inside the Falconry Hospital museum.

Falcons on a Plane: A Real Falcon Experience

Falcons on a plane! I wonder if they ever get offered pretzels or peanuts?

One of the coolest things we learned  is that several Middle Eastern airlines allow falcons to fly in the main cabin. You know, it got us thinking… I’m sure some of these falcons would make better seatmates than some people we’ve been stuck with. Let’s just say, our window seatmate to Dubai used the bathroom no less than 20 times on that trip!

Inside Look at Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Hospital Treatment Room

Treatment room at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.

A major highlight on the tour is going inside an actual treatment room for sick and injured falcons. Here you’ll actually get to come face to face with a falcon and feel just how light they weigh.

Kevin and his new falcon friend.

Dinner time – a falcon chows down on some fresh chicken.

A close-up shot of the falcon in a hood.

Wrapping it Up: Following our Guide Through the Falcon Hospital

Inside the molting room at Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Hospital.

If you’re driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, the falcon hospital makes a great first stop. It’s located on the outskirts of the city near the airport. Allow PLENTY of time to get there, since the turnoff is easy to miss. In fact, we missed it the first time and it took us about 20 minutes to retrace our way back. But it is well worth making the trek — not only to see falcons up close, but to tour one of the premier falcon hospitals in the world.

THE LOWDOWN:

• The Falcon Hospital offers 2-hour guided tours twice a day, Sunday – Thursday at 10 AM and 2 PM.
• You can either drive here directly, take a taxi or Uber or arrange transport with the hospital. You’ll find plenty of parking on-site if you’re driving here.
• Admission: 170 AED ($46 USD) for adults; 60 AED ($16 USD) for children ages 5 to 9;  and free for 5-years and under.
• To a falcon hospital tour, visit the facility’s website.

Looking for other travel ideas through United Arab Emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi? Have several days and looking or ideas beyond the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Louvre Abu Dhabi? Check out our full coverage here.