Falconry is among the oldest traditions of the Arabian Peninsula, and in the United Arab Emirates it is a living part of national identity. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, opened in the late 1990s on the outskirts of the city near the airport, is one of the best-known places in the world dedicated to the care of these birds, treating thousands of falcons every year. A visit begins with an introduction to the sport and its role in desert life, where falcons once helped Bedouin families hunt for food and now represent heritage and pride. You then walk through the clinic with a guide, passing the examination rooms, the intensive care units, the X-ray and laboratory areas and the wards where recovering birds rest on perches in cool, quiet rooms. A small museum explains the history and equipment of falconry, from hoods and leather gloves to traditional training methods. Most tours finish with the highlight, a chance to hold a falcon on your gloved hand and take photographs, an experience that leaves a lasting impression of the birds' grace and intelligence.
How it works
Visits are guided and booked in advance for a set time, usually in the morning or afternoon, and include entrance and a guide. Some tours bundle transport from Abu Dhabi hotels, while others meet you at the hospital, so check the details before you buy. Group sizes are kept manageable, and tours are run in English and other languages on request. The hospital is a working clinic, so schedules can shift if veterinary work takes priority, and the experience is calm and informative rather than theatrical.
What to expect
The atmosphere is quiet because the birds are sensitive to noise and sudden movement, so follow the guide's instructions and keep your voice low. You will see falcons of several species, learn about their feeding, flight and health, and hear how the UAE protects them, including the tradition of issuing falcons with their own passports so that owners can travel with them.
Hygiene matters, so there may be rules about touching and photography in certain rooms. Children are welcome and often love the chance to hold a bird, although the experience is best for those old enough to stay still. Wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting a feather or two on.
Making the most of it
Pair the hospital with a city tour or the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, since many operators build it into a half-day itinerary from Abu Dhabi. It also complements a desert safari, which often features a falconry display, by giving a deeper understanding of the craft. Wildlife lovers, photographers and families with curious children all get something from the visit, and it is one of the few places where you can see how a centuries-old tradition has adapted to modern veterinary science.
If you want more, ask about the falcon centre's other programmes and the nearby falconry shows and heritage events held in the cooler months. Leave room in your schedule for the drive, which can take twenty to forty minutes depending on where you start.
Good to know
The tour is a respectful look at a working veterinary clinic and a cultural tradition, so avoid flash photography and sudden movements near the birds. Perfume and strong scents can be unsettling for them, so keep them light. Some tours offer extras such as a visit to a falcon souk or a desert show, and these can make a good half-day when paired with other Abu Dhabi stops.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk through the clinic, wards and a small falconry museum, usually ending with the chance to hold a falcon on a glove.
Best time
Mornings in the cooler months, when the birds are calm and the drive is comfortable.
How long
Around two hours, plus transfer time if you join a tour with pickup.
Tips
Keep your voice low, follow the guide's rules on touching and photography, and check whether transport from your hotel is included.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and animal lovers who want something different from museums and malls.
- Families
- Children love holding a falcon, but the visit asks for quiet and patience.
- Couples
- A memorable and unusual shared experience with great photographs.
- Pair with
- The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or an evening desert safari with a falconry display.
- Time needed
- Half a day with transfers.
Good questions
What happens on a falcon hospital tour?+
A guide shows you the clinic, wards and a small museum and explains the traditions of falconry. Most tours end with the chance to hold a falcon.
Are the birds treated at the hospital wild?+
Most are owned falcons brought in for check-ups, treatment and care. Falconry is a deeply rooted tradition in the UAE.
Is the tour suitable for children?+
Yes, children are welcome and usually love it, but they need to be calm around the birds.
Is transport included?+
Some tours include hotel pickup and others do not. Check the details of your ticket before you book.
Can I take photographs?+
Yes, in most areas and with the falcon on your glove, though some rooms have restrictions. Follow your guide's instructions.
