Aviaries of Abu Dhabi
Amidst the glistening skyscrapers, falconries still rule the roost in Abu Dhabi.
Even though Abu Dhabi has become a playground for the well-heeled, old ways still persist, and today you can find aviaries of skater falcons throughout the nation. Birds are flown and trained daily so that falconers can hunt with them in neighboring parts of Syria or Iraq (hunting is restricted in Abu Dhabi.) In fact, so respected are the birds that prized United Arab Emirates falcons actually have their own passports. Watch these majestic birds take flight at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the world’s foremost falcon welfare institution.
Wild falcons were traditionally captured by hunters. Today, however, the centuries-old practice has been developed into a sport and preserved as part of the region’s cultural heritage.
The constant companion of the Bedouin hunter, falcons take months to tame and become members of their masters’ families once trained.
Due to the arduous training process, the national bird is highly prized and trained raptors are attached with radio tracking transmitters.
Stroke, hold and watch these regal birds of prey being treated at the state-of-the-art falcon hospital, which features an air-conditioned aviary.
Details
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital: Abu Dhabi Sweihan Road 3 km after the Sweihan Bridge; +971-2-5755155
Written By: Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
4.1.17
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