Falconry is considered the national pastime of the people of the Emirates. The falcon is a symbol of the UAE, embodying strength, courage, grace, and agility. It is no coincidence that a falcon is depicted on the national coat of arms of the UAE, with its seven tail feathers corresponding to the seven Arab Emirates.
Falconry is already more than 5000 years old, and this tradition is included in the UNESCO list of intangible heritage. Having originated in India, it later gained popularity throughout the world, in particular among European monarchs and nobles. But this tradition proved most enduring in desert countries, where there are no forest hunting grounds. Arabs still carefully honor the traditions of their ancestors, who for many millennia went out into the desert for falconry.
Owning one's own falcon is the best indicator of status and prosperity among Arabs. The falcon is a rare bird, and some of its species, for example the white gyrfalcon, are almost impossible to buy at all. The price of a white gyrfalcon can reach 1,5 million dirhams (more than 400.000 dollars), while the most ordinary birds cost about 100.000 dollars! If almost every UAE citizen can afford a car or a yacht, then buying one's own falcon is far from accessible to everyone.
At the National Falcon Center, you will see birds trained for hunting and will even be able to hold one of them on your arm. For interaction with people, a hood covering the eyes is put on the falcon's head so that the bird does not get frightened itself and does not frighten people. Also at the center, you can look at falconry dioramas, learn its history in this part of the world, and, if you wish, you can buy yourself a falcon :)
