Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Abu Dhabi contains numerous wonders, yet it conceals a special destination that delivers an extraordinary experience- the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. It is where falcons live like nobility because historical practices are unified with contemporary medical practices to safeguard this age-old tradition. Besides, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital stands apart from any establishment you have ever encountered.
All About Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH) began in 1999 and represents the world’s first and largest hospital committed to treating falcons. They are important in UAE culture because falconry has existed for hundreds of years as a tradition. Moreover, it shows desert survival abilities, traditional skills, and national heritage. The government of Abu Dhabi has set up this hospital to ensure the protection and preservation of these important birds.
The expansion of ADFH has developed into an advanced medical institution that provides comprehensive care along with research services for falcons and other bird species. The hospital provides advanced medical care through state-of-the-art treatments, surgeries, and falcon pedicure services and has treated more than 1,10,000 birds throughout its existence. Moreover, visitors can view these birds closely during their visit to this educational setting that functions as a tourist attraction.
Things to Do/Activities to Enjoy
- Guided Tours
Join an expert guide to tour the whole fascinating Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. Get to learn about falcons through lessons about their educational background, development, and deep cultural significance within Emirati society. The facility features advanced medical facilities and rehabilitation centers, which you will explore up close.
- Falconry Demonstrations
You can observe trained falcons complete their swift motion during live flight demonstrations at top speed and great precision. The handlers will guide majestic birds while demonstrating their hunting abilities, which they have learned through traditions going down multiple generations.
- Falcon Passport Experience
The world has only a small set of animals that require passports for their international travel. Get to learn about the exclusive steps to issue falcon passports and the procedures that the airlines follow to transport them in their own designated seating area.
- Bird Examination Room Visit
The examination room allows veterinarians with expertise to examine the health, perform surgeries, and apply prosthetic feathers to falcons. Moreover, the access to avian medical practice showcases an opportunity that allows spectators to observe veterinary work with birds.
- Photo Opportunity
Put on falconry gloves while holding a falcon on your arm to have an experience with safety that you will never forget. The hospital’s top falcon clinic requires everyone to have pictures taken as an invaluable memory of their experience.
Internship Opportunities at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
For those passionate about wildlife, veterinary sciences, or falconry, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH) offers exclusive internship programs. The internships at this facility deliver direct medical experience of avian healthcare, falcon service and hospital facility administration. Thus, it makes them suitable for students and medical practitioners who want practical knowledge.
Interns get the opportunity to:
- Veterinarians receive support in their process of examining falcon health and performing medical procedures and surgical operations.
- The program teaches you about bird illnesses, disease rehabilitation methods, and diagnostic examinations.
- An individual can understand how a world-class falcon hospital performs management and creates conservation programs.
Professional experience at this facility is available for veterinary students, graduates, and other people who want to work in avian medicine. Additionally, applicants should submit their applications ahead of time as the program has limited slots. You can find complete details regarding eligibility, duration, and application procedures on the official website of Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.
Important Information
- Address: Near the Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Shamkhah, SH34, Abu Dhabi
- Time– Monday to Thursday, 8 AM to 3:30 PM & till noon on Fridays (Closed on other days)
- Tour Hours– 2 hours
Ticket Price for Falcon Hospital
- AED 170 (Adults 10 years or above)
- AED 60 (Children 5 to 9 years old)
- Free for children below 5 years
Best Time to Visit
You should plan the visit to Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital from October to April to experience pleasant weather conditions suitable for outdoor exploration. Tourists prefer these months as the better time to see the demonstrations and join guided tours at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital to every section of the attraction.
Your best chance to witness the hospital’s operations and active falcons is during the morning hours. Moreover, tickets for the visit should be secured in advance because the limited availability quickly runs out due to widespread interest.
You should plan indoor activities if coming from May to September since outdoor exposure remains restricted due to excessive heat.
How to Reach?
- By Car: If you are traveling via car, then you should begin the trip at Sweihan Road (E20) from Abu Dhabi city. You need about 30 to 40 minutes to travel between the city center and the hospital, which lies 40 km away. Additionally, free parking is available on-site.
- By Bus: Public buses that serve Al Shamkha or Al Falah will stop close to the Falcon Hospital territory. To arrive at the hospital entrance, you must ride a taxi following your stop at the location. Bus passengers should refer to scheduled departures before their travel time.
- Other Transfers: You can even opt for taxis and cabs from ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber from anywhere in Abu Dhabi. If you prefer a hassle-free journey, private transfers can be arranged upon request, offering door-to-door service for a comfortable experience.
5 Nearby Places to Visit
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: With this breathtaking masterpiece, everyone is mesmerized by its stunning white marble and intricate calligraphy. Not to forget that it is one of the world’s largest mosques.
- Wahat Al Karama: The UAE heroes memorial stands as a place for peace, which provides serene views across the Grand Mosque alongside its memorial to past heroes.
- Al Maqta Fort: This defensive Emirati structure persists from its construction in the 18th century to the present day and displays typical Emirati military architectural elements.
- Al Forsan International Sports Resort: This site welcomes thrill-seekers who want to enjoy karting alongside shooting and horseback riding and take advantage of water activities.
- Mangrove National Park: Experience peaceful kayaking through Abu Dhabi’s mangroves, where animals of many types inhabit the lush environment.
Takeaway
Seeing the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital involves much more than just viewing displays; it provides an immersive exploration of falconry heritage combined with their conservation efforts. Your experience at this destination will become an unforgettable memory because it offers valuable knowledge about falcons, both in practice and medical care. Do not overlook this distinct attraction and plan your day here while visiting the magical capital city of Abu Dhabi!