Emirati Heritage
The Royal Art of Hunting & Humanity's Bond with Nature
Falconry is an ancient royal art embodying the unique bond between the Emirati people and nature, where the desert becomes an arena of courage, patience, and skill, and falcons remain the Bedouin's companion through time.
The roots of falconry in the Arabian Peninsula extend back over four thousand years, where the Bedouin relied on falcons for hunting to obtain food in a harsh desert environment. Falconry was not merely a means of survival but evolved into a royal art reflecting the values of courage, patience, and harmony with nature.
The falcon holds a special place in the heart of the Emirati people. It is not merely a bird of prey but a journey companion and a symbol of pride and nobility. The falconer raises his falcon from a young age with exceptional care, until a unique bond of trust and mutual loyalty develops between them, passed down through generations.
Three main types of falcons are used in Emirati falconry: the Shaheen (Peregrine), distinguished by its exceptional speed exceeding 300 km/h, making it the fastest living creature on Earth; the Hurr (Saker), preferred by falconers for its strength, endurance, and ability to hunt in the open desert; and the Jyr (Gyrfalcon), which comes from cold regions and is distinguished by its large size and exceptional power.
Falcon training goes through precise stages requiring great patience and skill. The falconer begins with the "familiarization" stage, where the falcon wears the burqa (hood) to become accustomed to its handler. Then comes the "lure" stage using bait tied to a rope to train the falcon to return. Finally, the "release" stage where the falcon is set upon real prey. Emirati falconers have preserved these traditional arts across centuries.
An authentic Arab tradition spanning thousands of years
Three main types used in Emirati falconry
A precise art requiring great patience and skill
From familiarization to release on prey
Training Arts
The falcon training journey begins with the "transfer" stage, where the bird is moved from its wild environment to the falconer's care. The hood is placed to calm it and accustom it to human sounds, then the falconer begins feeding it by hand to build trust. This stage takes weeks of continuous daily work, with the falconer staying with his falcon day and night until taming is complete.
The bond between a falconer and his falcon is one of the deepest connections in Emirati heritage. The falconer considers his falcon part of his family, gives it a name, tends to its health, and celebrates its hunting victories.
Falconry has not remained confined to the past but has evolved into an organized global sport hosted by the UAE through international festivals, specialized falcon hospitals, and centers for preserving endangered species.
The UAE hosts the world's largest falconry festivals, most notably the International Festival of Falconry and the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), where falconry cultures from around the world converge.
The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the world's largest specialized falcon hospital, receiving thousands of falcons annually from various countries, providing advanced treatment and preventive services reflecting the UAE's dedication to the health of this noble bird.
The UAE manages advanced breeding programs for endangered falcon species, working to release them back into their natural habitats. These programs have successfully bred thousands of falcons and preserved the biodiversity of their various species.
Falconry holds a special place in the Emirati conscience. It is not merely a sport but a deep spiritual and cultural heritage. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was one of the most passionate falconry enthusiasts, committed to preserving it and passing it on to future generations as an authentic part of Emirati national identity.
The UAE issued special passports for falcons, facilitating their travel between countries and reflecting the high status this bird holds in Emirati culture.
The falcon appears on the national currency and the official emblem of the UAE, serving as a symbol of strength, dignity, and freedom that characterize the Emirati identity.
Falcon races are held annually in the UAE with substantial prizes, attracting thousands of participants from around the world, keeping this heritage vibrant and making it a competitive global sport.
World Heritage In 2010, UNESCO inscribed falconry on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, through a joint nomination submitted by the United Arab Emirates alongside several other nations. This international recognition crowned efforts to preserve this ancient heritage that embodies the deep relationship between humanity and nature across different cultures.
Falconry is not just a sport; it is a silent dialogue between man and nature, a covenant of trust between the falconer and his falcon. In every hunting trip there is a story, and in every falcon there is the spirit of a nation proud of its heritage and committed to passing it on to future generations.
Falconry is an ancient royal art embodying the unique bond between the Emirati people and nature, where the falcon remains a bridge connecting generations to their ancient heritage, carrying in its wings the tales of the desert and freedom.
