Inside the World's Largest Falcon Hospital: Where Ancient Tradition Meets Cutting-Edge Medicine
At Abu Dhabi’s sprawling falcon hospital, humanity’s reverence for the sky's apex predators soars to its highest heights
📍 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
On the edge of Abu Dhabi’s futuristic cityscape, I found a monument to one of the Emirate’s oldest traditions—a bond forged over millennia between Emiratis and one of nature’s most majestic creatures: the falcon. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is no ordinary veterinary clinic; it’s a sprawling seventy-thousand-square-meter facility, the largest of its kind in the world, representing the pinnacle of humankind’s reverence for the animal kingdom.
Stepping into the hospital, I felt a striking juxtaposition of tradition and technology—rooted in deep bond between Emiratis and their beloved birds of prey. Falcons, their heads covered in soft leather hoods, wait patiently in the high-tech pre-op area. The hushed hum of medical equipment is occasionally pierced by the sharp cry of a bird undergoing treatment. In the operating room, skilled surgeons meticulously perform myriad procedures, from beak repairs to feather implants. The most common operation, however, is the pedicure—a meticulous grooming of the talons that is crucial for the birds' health and hunting prowess. Nearby, in the state-of-the-art diagnostic lab, falcons undergo a battery of tests, ensuring they are in peak condition.
But this is not just a place of healing; it's a living tribute to the cultural significance of falcons in Emirati life. A museum within the hospital traces the 4,000-year history of falconry, a practice deeply ingrained in Emirati culture. Once essential for Bedouin survival in the harsh desert environment, falcons have evolved from hunting tools into powerful cultural symbols, embodying Emirati values of strength and courage.
Here, under the bright lights and watchful eyes of veterinarians, I encountered a variety of falcon species, each with its unique characteristics and appeal. The peregrine falcon, known as the “Shaheen” in Arabic, is the fastest animal on Earth, capable of reaching speeds of over two hundred and forty miles per hour during its hunting dive. Its agility and precision make it a prized bird for falconry. The saker falcon, or “Hurr,” is larger and more powerful, renowned for its endurance and ability to take down larger prey like the houbara bustard, a medium-sized bird found in arid regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. And then there’s the gyrfalcon, the “Shumookh,” the largest of the falcons, a rare and majestic bird that commands a hefty price in the falconry market.
Beyond treating domesticated falcons, the hospital is deeply committed to the conservation of wild populations. It operates a robust falcon release program, returning rehabilitated birds to their natural habitats, and actively contributes to research on falcon health and behavior. Training courses are offered for both novices and seasoned falconers — catalyzing a community dedicated to the well-being of these avian athletes.
In Abu Dhabi, a gleaming metropolis of glass and steel, I found myself drawn to a place that memorializes ancient traditions and the raw power of nature. Inside the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the piercing eyes and razor-sharp talons of the falcons command both awe and respect. Cutting-edge technology harmonizes with the age-old art of falconry in a living reminder of our deep connection to the natural world.