Experiencing a traditional falconry show in the UAE is more than watching a bird of prey soar across the desert sky—it is stepping into centuries of Emirati traditions, Bedouin heritage, and an iconic part of Arabian desert life. For travelers seeking deeper cultural immersion, falconry offers an authentic way to understand how wildlife, survival, and storytelling shaped the identity of the region.
UAE Trip Guide, the leading cultural travel platform for Pakistani families with offices in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, has arranged falconry experiences and desert heritage tours for over 500,000 visitors since 2018.
Explore Cultural Immersion: Attending Traditional Falconry Shows in the UAE, UAE, and witness the ancient art of falconry performed exactly as Bedouin ancestors did centuries ago.
Why Falconry Is the Soul of Emirati Heritage
Falconry in the UAE is not a sport — it is a living tradition passed down for over 4,000 years.
Before oil, Bedouin tribes depended on falcons to hunt houbara bustard and hare during harsh winters.
The bird was family: fed before children, carried on the left arm as a sign of honor, and buried with full respect when it died.
Today, falcons are national symbols.
The UAE passport even features a falcon watermark.
Every year, the President’s Cup Falconry Festival attracts the world’s best falconers with prizes worth millions of dirhams.
Also Read: Sustainable Travel in the UAE: Eco-Friendly Attractions and Practices
Best Places to Experience Authentic Falconry Shows in 2025
1. Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve – Dubai
Largest unfenced desert reserve in the UAE.
Daily sunrise and sunset falconry shows with pure-bred peregrine and saker falcons.
2. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital – Abu Dhabi
World’s first and largest falcon hospital (tours in Urdu available).
Watch check-ups, feather repairs, and free-flight demonstrations.
3. Bab Al Shams Desert Resort – Dubai
Luxury evening shows with tanoura dance, fire show, and falconry under the stars.
4. Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa
Private falconry sessions with your own trainer and falcon on your arm.
5. Fazza Falconry Festival (President’s Cup) – December–January
The biggest falconry competition on earth — free entry for spectators.
Types of Falcons You Will See
| Falcon Type | Arabic Name | Speed | Price Range (2025) | Notes for Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Shaheen | 390 km/h | AED 80,000–500,000 | Fastest animal on earth |
| Saker Falcon | Saqr | 320 km/h | AED 50,000–300,000 | Most common in UAE |
| Gyrfalcon | Al Hurr | 300 km/h | AED 1–3 million | Rare white falcon from Arctic |
| Lanner Falcon | Wakri | 250 km/h | AED 30,000–100,000 | Popular for beginners |
What Happens During a Traditional Falconry Show
- Welcoming the Falcon – Trainer introduces the bird wearing traditional leather hood (burqa).
- Hood Removal – Dramatic moment when the falcon sees the sky.
- Free Flight – Falcon circles high, then dives at 300+ km/h toward the lure.
- Lure Training – Trainer swings a leather lure with meat to simulate hunting.
- Hand Feeding – Guests (especially children) get to feed the falcon on their gloved hand.
- Photo Session – Professional photos with falcon on your arm.
Major Falconry Events Calendar 2025
| Event Name | Location | Dates 2025 | Entry Fee | Highlights for Pakistani Families |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fazza Championship (President’s Cup) | Al Ruwayyah, Dubai | Dec 2025 – Jan 2026 | Free | 5,000+ falcons, live Urdu commentary |
| Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) | ADNEC, Abu Dhabi | September | AED 50 | Falcon auctions, heritage village |
| Al Marmoom Heritage Festival | Al Marmoom Reserve | March–April | Free | 40-day Bedouin village with daily shows |
| Dubai Falconry Festival | Dubai | November | AED 150–500 | VIP seating with Arabic coffee & dates |
Tips for Pakistani Travelers
- Book at least 2 weeks early during winter season (Oct–Apr)
- Wear Pakistani shalwar kameez or long sleeves — falcons feel comfortable on traditional clothing
- Children love feeding the falcon — completely safe with trained handlers
- Exchange PKR in Deira before buying falcon souvenirs (leather hoods, gloves)
- Combine with desert safari — many operators include falconry in platinum packages
Sample Half-Day Falconry Itinerary
| Time | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 06:30 AM | Pickup from Dubai/Abu Dhabi hotel | |
| 07:30 AM | Sunrise falconry show in Al Marmoom | 1 hour |
| 08:30 AM | Breakfast with dates & Arabic coffee | 30 min |
| 09:00 AM | Hands-on session (hold & feed falcon) | 45 min |
| 10:00 AM | Visit heritage village & camel ride | 1 hour |
| 12:00 PM | Return to hotel |
Falconry is more than a show — it is the heartbeat of Emirati identity.
When a falcon returns to the trainer’s glove after soaring hundreds of meters, you are witnessing trust built over centuries.
Let Cultural Immersion: Attending Traditional Falconry Shows in the UAE be your trusted companion for an unforgettable desert heritage experience.