All about falconry in the UAE

• History of falconry in the UAE
• Relevance of falconry in the UAE
• Falconry training and equipment
• Where to experience falconry in the UAE

One of the traditional sports in the Emirati culture is falconry, practised since the days of the early Bedouins. Falcons were initially used for hunting, as the food was scarce in the arid deserts. The sharp eyesight and swift flight of the birds made them the perfect predators.

However, with time, falconry in the UAE emerged as a sport and a symbol of pride among the Arabs. Keep reading to learn all about the sport of falconry in the UAE!

HISTORY OF FALCONRY IN THE UAE

The history of falconry in the UAE dates back almost 4,000 years when Bedouins in the UAE and Arabian Peninsula used falcons for hunting. Today, it has become one of the UAE’s most honoured and revered sports. Falcons are trained for months to participate in competitions and contests. 

Falcons are valued as a symbol of courage and nobility. The Late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the UAE, was one of the major proponents of falconry and enjoyed it from a young age. Under his leadership, significant efforts were made for the conservation of the sport. These include a falcon release programme and the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, which is the largest of its kind in the world.

RELEVANCE OF FALCONRY IN THE UAE

Falconry holds a cultural and national significance in the UAE since it also forms part of the emblem of the UAE. The UAE is the first country to issue passports for falcons and establish a dedicated falcon hospital. Falconry demonstrations are also an integral part of the UAE National Day celebrations. You can also find poetry, songs and stories about the sport and this majestic bird in the UAE. 

In 2016, falconry was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It also serves as a cultural attraction for tourists who want to experience traditional Arab life. Tourists make a trip to the desert to experience live demonstrations of falconry. You’ll also find that falcon displays are a popular activity at most desert safari experiences in Dubai.

FALCONRY TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT

Falcons have to be trained before they can be used for the sport. The trainer ties a feathered training decoy to a string and keeps pulling it away when the falcon swoops to catch it. After repeated attempts, the bird finally learns to catch the moving target. Once the practice is complete, pigeons are used to complete the training.

Typically, there is a handmade leather hood that covers the eyes and head of the falcon when it is not flying. A wooden stand with a wide flat top is used as a perch for the falcon. Other optional equipment includes a leather glove and a GPS beacon to track the bird. 

WHERE TO EXPERIENCE FALCONRY IN THE UAE

You can experience falconry shows and demonstrations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. To experience falconry in the UAE, you can opt for desert safari packages that also include falconry. Alternatively, you can attend exclusive falcon shows at places like Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa or Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in Dubai. The guided tours at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital are also a great way to learn more about these beautiful birds and see them in action!

That concludes our guide to falconry in the UAE! You can learn more about the other traditional sports in the UAE, such as archery and horse racing. Find out more about the tours at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital or learn about the Bedouin life in the UAE. If you haven’t experienced a thrilling desert safari yet, check out the best desert safari companies in Dubai!