Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

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The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is a unique destination on any itinerary and has been a popular destination for visitors since 2007. Get the chance to learn about this important animal in Emirate culture, and how veterinarians take care of them when they’re unwell. Tours are available twice daily and often sell out, so book in advance to avoid disappointment!

By Anneliese O'Malley

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4 tips for visiting the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

A falcon being treated | Flickr: Maarten Danial CC BY-ND 2.0

Follow Your Guide

The hospital is indeed a working medical facility for falcons. It’s not your standard tourist attraction, so make sure that you follow your guide and their instructions for both your safety and the wellbeing of the falcons being treated.

Staff taking care of a patient | Flickr: Maarten Danial CC BY-ND 2.0

Take Lots of Pictures

This tour is one of a kind, and you’ll want to remember the most interesting and unusual parts of it. Feel free to take pictures, but please don’t use flash to avoid startling the birds.

Ask Questions

Your guide and the members of staff you meet are experts on falcons and how to care for them, so if there’s anything you’re itching to learn about, make sure to ask!

Go for the Earlier Tour

The morning tours tend to be slightly less busy than the afternoon slots, so if you’re able to get there early it’s highly advised. Since tours sell out quickly, it’s wise to book in advance to secure the time and date that is most convenient for you.

A visitor holding a falcon | Flickr: Maarten Danial CC BY-ND 2.0

The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital: A Unique Tourist Experience

The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital was opened in 1999 as the first public institution dedicated to veterinary care for falcons only. Today the center treats 11,000 falcons annually. The tour of the hospital has won tourism awards from around the globe, including awards for responsible tourism. Visitors will be introduced to the sport of falconry and the history of the birds in the UAE. They’ll also get to see falcons undergoing feather repair and other basic procedures before getting to hold or pose with one of the birds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just buy a ticket to visit the hospital or do I need to take a tour?

The hospital can only be visited with a tour guide, who can explain what you’re seeing as you’re shown the areas which are safe for members of the public to visit. All tours are given in English but custom tours are available in French, German, Arabic, or other languages for an additional fee. You should make sure to book your tour online in advance as walk-up tickets are not available.

What are the different tour options?

You can choose either the basic two-hour tour or a three-hour comprehensive tour package which includes a buffet lunch and a souvenir photo. Apart from lunch and the official photograph, the content of both tours is identical.

Will I get to hold a falcon?

If you’d like to hold a falcon then you’ll get the chance at the end of the tour. Children who are tall enough and feel brave will have the opportunity to hold a smaller species of falcon, while adults might get the chance to hold larger birds. You’ll usually have to wear a glove to hold the birds, to protect your hands from their talons, but there’ll be an experienced handler with you to make sure that nothing goes wrong. If you don’t feel like holding a bird then don’t worry, you won’t have to.

Why do falcons get their own hospital?

The falcon is the national bird of the United Arab Emirates and has long held a special place in Emirati culture. It’s thought that they represent strength and courage and, in addition to being used for falconry and hunting, they are popular pets and companions in Emirati households. It’s not unusual for falcons to have their own perches in their owner’s office or bedroom, and owners often book their falcons their own seats on airplanes when they travel together. It’s no wonder that animals that are held so dear in the UAE get their own hospital dedicated to their care.

General information

opening hours

Falcon Medical Services: Monday–Thursday 8:00 am–2:30 pm, Friday 8:00 am–12 noon; during Ramadan: Monday–Thursday 8:00 am–2:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am–12 noon; closed on Saturdays.

Pet Care Center Services: Monday–Thursday 8:00 am–6:30 pm, Friday 8:00 am–12 noon, Sunday 8:00 am–2:30 pm; during Ramadan: Monday–Thursday 9:00 am–3:30 pm, Friday 9:00 am–11:30 am, Sunday 9:00 am–2:30 pm; closed on Saturdays.

Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter: Monday–Thursday 8:00 am–5:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am–12 noon, Sunday 8:00 am–2:30 pm; during Ramadan: Monday–Thursday 9:00 am–3:30 pm, Friday 9:00 am–11:30 am, Sunday 9:00 am–2:30 pm; closed on Saturdays.

Tourism (ADFH Tour) – tour times: Monday–Thursday at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, Friday and Sunday at 10:00 am; during Ramadan: Sunday–Friday at 10:00 am.

Lab Service: Monday–Thursday 8:00 am–5:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am–12 noon, Sunday 8:00 am–2:30 pm; closed on Saturdays.

Dog Agility Park: temporarily closed.

In general, services are open from Sunday to Friday and closed on Saturdays and public holidays.

tickets

Children under 5 years: free.
Children 5–9 years and visitors 10 years or above: charged per person (exact AED amounts only shown during online booking). VAT is applied; online payments are non-refundable.

address

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Sweihan Road
Al Shamkha
Abu Dhabi

how to get there

The easiest way to reach the Falcon Hospital is to take a taxi as there is limited public transportation in the area. There is also parking available on-site if you’d prefer to drive. The hospital is also very close to the Abu Dhabi airport, which makes it an ideal short trip if you’re in town on a layover.

Written byAnneliese O'MalleyAnneliese is a former Londoner, keen traveler, and total word nerd. As a Content Management Specialist she knows the TicketLens inventory inside out and curates, matches, and writes about the most interesting attractions worldwide.

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