ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - FEBRUARY 03:  A falcon is placed on a bench at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, on February 3, 2015 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH) is located just outside Abu Dhabi. It is the largest of its kind in the world attracting customers from all over the UAE and the wider Gulf region including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Around 9,000 birds are treated each year for a wide range of ailments. The centre which has a an ophthalmology department, and intensive care unit is equipped to deal with everything from X-Rays, cases of Avian Flu, Falcon Pox, repairing of feathers, and general health checks and provides a 24 hour service. The centre also has two large air conditioned aviaries where falcons can rest while they are moulting, or changing their feathers. Traditionally a way of obtaining food, Falconry today has become more of a national sport and a rite of passage for many young Emirati men, who take their time to train their Falcons, developing a relationship and deep bond with the birds. Groups of friends regularly come together in the evenings to meet and train their birds where the practice becomes more about camaraderie and sharing knowledge than subsistence. The practice of Falconry was recognized by UNESCO in 2012 under the 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity' list.  (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

Top choice in Abu Dhabi


Standing outside Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, watching anxious owners from across the region delivering their hooded 'patients' in person, you will quickly realise that this is a much-needed and much-loved facility. Falcons are an integral part of traditional Gulf culture, and no expense is spared in restoring these magnificent birds to full health. Tours include visits to the falcon museum, the examination room – including intimate glimpses into coping procedures – and the free-flight aviary. Tour reservations (bookable online) are mandatory.

If you're willing to brave an arm, the well-behaved raptors will even perch for a photograph.

The hospital is about 6km southeast of Abu Dhabi airport. Coming from central Abu Dhabi, follow Airport Rd (E20) to Sweihan Rd in the direction of Falah City; about 3km past the junction with Hwy E11, turn right after the water tank (before exit 30A) and follow the signs to the hospital.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Abu Dhabi attractions

1. Arabian Saluki Centre

0.16 MILES

You'll probably hear them before you see them, as a howl goes up when a visitor approaches this hound pound. A visit here involves entering the kennels,…

2. Masdar City

5.52 MILES

For architecture with a sci-fi vibe make the trip to Masdar City, near Abu Dhabi Airport, touted as the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste city powered…

3. Musical Fountain

6.98 MILES

These fountains are fun for kids, particularly to cool off when hot during the day and when set to music at night.

4. Yas Marina Circuit

7.27 MILES

Even if you're not in town in November for the Formula One Grand Prix, it's possible to experience Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina track year-round. For a behind…

5. Yas Beach

7.73 MILES

A surprisingly low-key corner of this high-tech island, Yas Beach is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the sea views, dabble in some water sports or…

6. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

7.85 MILES

If you want bragging rights to having 'done' Formula Rossa, the world's fastest roller coaster, visit this indoor (perfect in summer) temple of torque and…

7. Aldar Headquarters

8.01 MILES

Visible from afar, this futuristic landmark building has been dubbed the 'Coin' thanks to its distinctive penny-shaped architecture. The world's first…

8. Fun Works

8.11 MILES

With 6300 sq metres of bouncy buildings, rides, rooms to reconstruct, play stations and toys, this interactive play space targeted at fun learning is…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "united-arab-emirates/abu-dhabi/attractions/abu-dhabi-falcon-hospital/a/poi-sig/1308284/361165",
      "destination": "Abu-Dhabi",
      "continent": "Middle-East",
      "country": "United-Arab-Emirates",
      "city": "Abu-Dhabi",
      "position": "superzone"
    }