Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH)

The Basics

Founded in 1999 by a prominent German veterinary surgeon, ADFH sees thousands of birds every year. Care ranges from treatment for serious maladies to feather substitutions to pedicures. The sport of falconry has deep roots in Abu Dhabi, and the predatory birds can cost tens of thousands of dollars, so ADFH is crucial for the health and well-being of these raptors.

Take a guided tour of the facility to learn about the history of falconry, and visit an exam room and the aviary, where falcons fly freely around you. You’ll also have the opportunity to take pictures with a falcon ambassador. If you opt for the lunch add-on, you’ll be invited to dine in a traditional Arabic sitting area.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Tours of the facility must be booked in advance online, over the phone, or by email.

• If you’re part of a group, schedule your tour at least a week ahead of time. Individual travelers should book two days in advance.

• Tours are typically offered in English, Arabic, French, and German. Chinese and Spanish tours are sometimes available upon request.

How to Get There

Approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers) or a 12-minute drive from the Abu Dhabi International Airport, ADFH is best reached by car or taxi. Some tour operators include transportation.

When to Get There

Tours are usually offered twice daily Sunday through Thursday, except during Ramadan when only one daily slot is available. Saturday tours are given from October through May.

Falcons in the United Arab Emirates

For 4,000 years in the United Arab Emirates and wider Arabian Peninsula, falcons were used as a vital form of hunting in the often resource-scarce land. Nowadays, they’re highly valued and revered in the sport of falconry as the United Arab Emirates’ national bird.