Falconry in Dubai – a living tradition and inspiration for our taxidermy art

Dubai is known for its cutting‑edge skyline and luxurious experiences, but the emirate’s soul is rooted in the desert. One of the most enduring desert traditions is falconry, the practice of training birds of prey to hunt. As a taxidermy studio based in Dubai that serves clients around the world, we respect and celebrate this heritage. Preserving birds of prey ethically when they pass is a way for us to honour their contribution to Emirati culture. This blog explores the history, training, events, regulations, and tourist experiences surrounding falconry in Dubai. To help search engines find this page, we have included a rich array of related keywords such as falconry in Dubai, Emirati falconry culture, falcon training, falconry events in the UAE, falconry tourism, falconry licence, falcons, taxidermy, Dubai wildlife and falcon taxidermy services.

History – falconry as a survival skill and cultural emblem

Falconry has been practiced in the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years. Early Bedouin tribes relied on falcons to hunt for food in the harsh desert environment. The knowledge of training raptors to catch hares and houbara bustards was passed down through families. Because falcons became integral to survival, they also became a symbol of endurance, patience, and harmony with nature. Historians note that falconry remained a means of subsistence for four millennia and has evolved into one of the United Arab Emirates’ most honoured traditional sports.

As trade routes expanded, Arabs carried falconry knowledge to ancient Rome and Persia. In modern times, the practice has been recognized globally: the UAE was part of an 18-country initiative that secured falconry’s inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016. The falcon is now the national emblem of the UAE and appears on currency and official documents.

Traditional training and equipment

Training a raptor requires patience and an understanding of bird behaviour. Traditionally, falconers select young birds—often female falcons (al‑Hurr) because they are larger and more powerful at around seven months of age. Manning refers to the process of acclimating the bird to human presence. A soft leather hood (called a burqa) covers the bird’s eyes so it stays calm during training. Falcons are perched on a wooden stand, and the falconer protects their arm with a leather guard. To ensure the bird flies back with the catch, trainers use feathered decoys and gradually increase their weight as the bird builds muscle. When the falcon is ready, live prey such as pigeons are used.

The art emphasises respect for the bird. Falcons can be trained to deliver game without killing it, an important requirement for halal meat. Modern falconers equip birds with GPS beacons to locate them if they get lost, and elite raptors can fetch prices well into the six‑figure dirham range. Equipment like hoods, perches, gloves, and GPS devices has become an industry of its own, supporting artisans and veterinarians while blending tradition with technology.

From necessity to sport – modern falconry and events

Once falconry was no longer required for daily hunting, it evolved into a beloved sport that celebrates skill and speed. Today, falcon races and hunting competitions are organised throughout the cooler months (October–March). There are two main disciplines: shotgun falconry, where the falconer swings a lure and the bird circles before diving on it; and falcon racing, where birds compete to cover a set distance in the shortest time. Racing falcons are so prized that some sell for more than AED 800,000. Major events such as the Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) and the Al Dhafra Festival attract enthusiasts from around the world.

The Emirates Falconers’ Club reports that the 2023‑2024 season marked the 13th anniversary of falconry’s UNESCO recognition and saw participation from 24 countries. Falconry is now practised legitimately in 90 countries by a community of more than 100,000 falconers. Abu Dhabi plays a leading role in promoting the heritage. The Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School has trained more than 5,000 students (2,977 males and 2,062 females), including tourists and VIPs. The school teaches ethics, biology, prey species, and proper handling while housing a collection of historic equipment and photographs.

Regulations and licences

Falconry in the UAE is carefully regulated to balance tradition with conservation. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi allows only licensed falconers to hunt the captive‑bred houbara bustard during the traditional wild hunting season, which runs from 20 October 2024 to 20 January 2025. The Agency issues licences under Local Resolution No. (5) of 2021 and emphasises adherence to Law No. 22 of 2005 on hunting. Applicants must be UAE citizens, at least 18 years old, and register their falcons with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s Falcon Registration System. Prospective falconers apply through the ‘TAMM’ government services portal using their UAE Pass digital identity; once approved, licences are issued electronically. These measures ensure sustainable hunting and protect wild populations.

The 2023‑2024 falconry season in Abu Dhabi lasted roughly three months and required 2,603 traditional hunting licences. Conservation initiatives include releasing captive‑bred houbara bustards to reduce pressure on wild birds and educational programmes on sustainable hunting.

Tourism – falconry experiences for visitors

Watching a falcon dive across the desert is on many travellers’ bucket lists. Several Dubai operators include falconry demonstrations as part of desert safaris. Visitors can learn about the history of falconry and witness the birds’ incredible speed, precision and hunting abilities. The falcon, regarded as the national bird, is so important that falconry was inscribed on UNESCO’s intangible heritage list in 2010.

Tour companies combine dune buggy adventures with live falconry displays. Expert falconers guide guests through the tradition and allow them to interact with the birds. Packages range from early‑morning safaris to premium evening tours, and all include a demonstration of falcon skills. These experiences are a highlight of desert tourism, offering visitors a deep connection to Emirati culture and unique photo opportunities.

If you wish to observe falconry without joining a safari, you can visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital’s museum to see bird wards and learn about veterinary care. The hospital is the largest falcon hospital in the world and symbolises the nation’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare.

Conservation and heritage initiatives

Conservation and heritage programmes ensure that falconry remains sustainable. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan championed falconry and supported initiatives like falcon release programmes and the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. Today, the Emirates Falconers’ Club collaborates with the International Fund for Houbara Conservation to provide captive‑bred houbara for training, thereby reducing illegal trade. Educational programmes teach children patience, fortitude and respect for wildlife. Celebrations such as UAE National Day feature falconry demonstrations, and poetry and music often reference falcons.

Falconry and taxidermy – preserving heritage through art

As a taxidermy business in Dubai, we are committed to ethical practices. We do not support poaching or illegal trade; instead, our work involves preserving birds that have died naturally or from accidents. Preserving a falcon allows museums, schools and private collectors to display these majestic birds and educate the public about their anatomy and cultural significance. Our falcon taxidermy services respect the heritage of falconry and abide by UAE laws. Each specimen is prepared using museum‑grade materials and detailed anatomical study, reflecting both scientific accuracy and artistic beauty.

Conclusion

Falconry in Dubai is more than an ancient hobby—it is a living tradition that unites history, sport, conservation and tourism. From the days when Bedouins relied on falcons to hunt in the desert to the modern competitions that attract enthusiasts worldwide, the relationship between falconer and bird has remained one of mutual respect. Regulations ensure that hunting is sustainable, and educational programmes inspire new generations. Visitors can witness the power and grace of these birds during desert safaris, while our taxidermy studio helps preserve their legacy for study and appreciation. By celebrating falconry and offering high‑quality taxidermy services, we hope to contribute to Dubai’s cultural tapestry and share the story of these remarkable birds with the world.