Information
Landmark: Abu Dhabi Falcon HospitalCity: Abu Dhabi
Country: United Arab Emirates
Continent: Asia
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates , Asia
Overview
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the world’s premier center for falcon care, is the largest and most advanced of its kind, devoted to treating, conserving, and studying falcons and other birds of prey-right down to polishing a peregrine’s curved beak.Founded in 1999, this cutting-edge veterinary hospital doubles as a tourist draw and learning hub, where visitors can stand just feet away from the UAE’s proud national bird.In Emirati culture, falcons aren’t just birds-they’re a proud emblem of strength, heritage, and tradition, their sharp eyes watching over a history that runs deep.For centuries, people in the region have practiced falconry, once sending trained birds sweeping over the desert to hunt for food and survive.Today, falconry is still a cherished sport in the UAE, with falcons prized so highly that handlers weigh them daily and treat them like elite athletes.At ADFH, our hospital offers top-tier veterinary care for falcons, other birds of prey, and even household pets, from routine check-ups to advanced treatments like X-rays, endoscopy, and blood tests that catch problems before they take flight.Care for wounds, treat infections, and clear out parasites.Feather repair, or feather imping, is a rare technique where damaged feathers are swapped out for healthy ones taken from other falcons-like sliding a perfect match into place.Makes sure the falcons fly strong and steady, then come back to their owners with every feather smooth and shining.Keep your bird healthy with routine beak reshaping and careful talon trims, like smoothing a sharp edge before it can snag.It helps falcons spot prey quickly and snatch it midair with precision.In the UAE, falcons get microchipped and issued their own official passports, so they can fly overseas as easily as a traveler with a stamped document in hand.Microchips and registration make it easier to identify and track falcons, right down to spotting a silver band on a leg in mid-flight.Breeding and conservation programs help raise endangered falcons in carefully managed aviaries, where the rustle of wings is a daily sound.Works to protect wildlife and promote sustainability, from safeguarding nesting sea turtles to restoring fragile wetlands.Tourist Experience – What to Expect: At the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, guides lead you through up-close encounters, letting you feel the smooth curve of a falcon’s feathers and watch these majestic birds in action.Number one.The Falcon Museum & Heritage Exhibit brings falconry’s past to life, with gleaming hoods, worn leather gloves, and stories of time‑honored practices.A glimpse into how falcons are trained and cared for in Emirati culture, from the whistle that calls them back to the gentle touch that smooths their feathers.Step two is simple-just keep the meaning exactly the same.Falconry Demonstrations: Watch trained falcons slice through the air, turning and diving with breathtaking speed and pinpoint precision.You can even hold a falcon, feel the weight of its sharp talons on your glove, and watch it study you with bright, unblinking eyes - it’s easily the highlight of the tour.Number three.Stop by the Falcon Treatment Rooms and watch veterinarians carefully stitch a falcon’s wing.Discover how experts treat falcons and explore the science that keeps their wings strong and feathers gleaming.Number four.Falcon Resting Area - step inside to find hundreds of falcons perched quietly in cool, air‑conditioned rooms, their feathers ruffling in the breeze as they rest and recover.Learn how falcons are tracked and cared for with the precision of an elite athlete, right down to heart-rate checks and meticulous training.Five.On some tours, you can take part in a hands-on falconry session, feeling the weight of a falcon settle on your gloved arm as you guide it under expert supervision.It offers a rich link to the ancient art of falconry, where the rush of wings and the keen cry of a hawk carry centuries of tradition.You’ll find the visitor center just minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, close enough to hear the low hum of departing planes.Tours usually run in the morning or afternoon, but only on certain days-think Tuesday sunrise or a breezy Friday at 2 p.m. Booking: Please reserve in advance-seats fill fast, especially on cool autumn evenings.Dress code: wear something modest and comfortable, like a soft cotton shirt with loose sleeves.So, why make the trip to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital?It’s a rare chance to meet falcons up close, feel the brush of their feathers, and discover the UAE’s rich cultural heritage.Watch world-class veterinary teams at work, from delicate surgeries to the gentle smoothing of a parrot’s bright feathers.Get up close to falconry, feeling the rush as a hawk’s wings brush the air-an ancient art still alive today.It’s a one-of-a-kind spot that teaches you something new, nothing like the usual tourist stops lined with souvenir stalls.The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital isn’t just a place for treatment-it’s a living museum of UAE culture, where you might feel the warm rush of air from a falcon’s wings as it passes close, offering an unforgettable encounter with one of the region’s most cherished animals.
