The sport of Falconry, which has been part of desert life for hundreds of years, is an integral part of the UAE’s cultural heritage.
Falconry is the art of using a trained bird of prey (usually a Falcon) to hunt small wild animals.
Some desert safaris have simple demonstrations of Falcons, Hawks, and Desert Owls, while a few safaris are designed around Falconry.
Besides having regular safari activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, cultural performances, etc., such tours also have a few Falconers entertaining the guests with their birds.
This article shares everything you must know before booking your Falconry safari in Dubai.
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What to expect on a Falconry Safari
Dubai is a falconry hotspot and a fantastic site to see falconers and their trained birds in action.
Viewing Falconry in action is a thrilling experience, and some of the day tours into the Arabian desert outside of Dubai have bird shows.
During such safaris, you will try flying a falcon yourself as you learn about this ancient Bedouin practice.
All tourists are left in awe of the birds of prey’s power and prowess in the air.
You will also see impressive demonstrations by prized birds and learn a few traditional and modern training techniques.
In some Falconry safaris, you will also see drones used to train the birds, with a lure flying around 20 meters (65 feet) behind.
You will feed a bird of prey and wonder as it returns to your gloved hand.
Besides interacting with elegant Falcons, you will also learn of their life cycles, diet, and natural habitat.
During the hands-on falconry experience, you will be under the guidance of a professional trainer, guaranteeing your safety.
Best Dubai falconry safari tours
Dubai’s best Falconry safaris are offered by two tour operators – Platinum Heritage and Royal Shaheen Events.
The operators are equally good – on Tripadvisor, they are both rated 5 out of 5.
We list the most highly-rated falconry safari tours in Dubai –
Desert Safari with Traditional Dinner & Heritage Activities
Start time: 2.30 pm
Tour operator: Platinum Heritage
This safari starts when you get picked up from Dubai in an air-conditioned minivan.
When you meet a camel train, you transfer to the ship of the desert and head to the royal desert retreat.
As the sun sets, you will enjoy a falconry display, watch an Arabic bread-making demonstration, get a henna tattoo, and indulge in numerous other local activities.
Finish with a 4-course dinner under the stars accompanied by Arabian dancing and music.
Children under five years are not permitted on this safari, and the weight of the guests can’t exceed 150 Kgs (330 Pounds).
Cost of the safari
Adult ticket (12+ years): AED 625 ($170)
Child ticket (5 to 11 years): AED 520 ($142)
Morning Falconry & Nature Desert Safari
Start time: 6.30 am
Tour operator: Platinum Heritage
This tour is an exclusive Falconry Safari, and guests get to experience the majesty of the UAE’s falcons and the desert.
During this 5-hour tour from Dubai, you will visit a desert retreat for a spectacular falconry display and try flying a falcon yourself.
Later you will take a wildlife drive through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in a vintage Land Rover.
Be sure to spot rare Arabian oryx, gazelle, and other species, and the tour ends with snacks and a camel ride.
Only 16 guests are included per tour to make it a personalized experience.
Children under five years are not permitted on this safari.
Cost of the safari
Adult ticket (12+ years): AED 625 ($157)
Child ticket (5 to 11 years): AED 520 ($126)
Small-Group Dubai Falconry Safari
Start time: 5 am
Tour operator: Royal Shaheen Events
You get picked up from your hotel in Dubai in a 4×4 and head to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to watch for animals such as the rare Arabian oryx, hares, and more.
Once at the retreat, you enjoy a thrilling, interactive group falconry experience. You see some prized birds and learn training techniques.
Guests willing to come forward will learn to fly a falcon from their glove.
The Falconry session lasts 90 minutes to 2 hours.
You can upgrade your tour to include breakfast at the stylish Al Maha Desert Resort to make the trip even more memorable.
A minimum of two guests are required per booking.
Only 12 guests are allowed in this 5-hour safari to ensure a personalized atmosphere.
Cost of the tour WITHOUT breakfast
Adult ticket (12+ years): AED 735 ($200)
Child ticket (0 to 11 years): AED 550 ($150)
Cost of the tour WITH breakfast
Adult ticket (12+ years): AED 935 ($255)
Child ticket (0 to 11 years): AED 735 ($200)
Private Falconry Safari in Dubai
Both Platinum Heritage and Royal Shaheen Events offer private Falconry Safaris to guests who prefer customized tours and VIP treatment.
Both the safaris are five hours long. However, the tour offered by Royal Shaheen Events is much cheaper.
Royal Shaheen Events’ falconry safari requires a minimum of two and a maximum of four per booking.
If you are a single traveler, Platinum Heritage’s falconry safari is better because they allow a minimum of one and a maximum of four guests per booking.
Royal Shaheen Events’ Tour
Adult ticket (12+ years): AED 1005 ($274)
Child ticket (0 to 11 years): AED 510 ($139)
Platinum Heritage’s Tour
Adult tickets (10+ years): AED 3525 ($960) for up to two guests
The minimum age is ten years
Generations of Falconry
The Falcons have a long history in Dubai and are considered cultural icons.
Falcons are so revered in the UAE that they are depicted on street signs, local money, and even the national emblem.
Check out this video to understand how falconry is an integral part of being an Arab.
Did you know that the region even has the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the area’s first and only facility dedicated to falcons?
Some tourists visit the hospital to understand the close relationship between the Bedouin culture and the Falcons.
Sources
# Tripadvisor.com
# Royalshaheen.ae
# Visitdubai.com
# Platinum-heritage.com
The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy.
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