The Falcon: UAE’s National Bird and Symbol of Prestige
The falcon, the national bird of the United Arab Emirates, is far more than just a majestic raptor—it’s a powerful symbol of Emirati identity, heritage, and pride. Rooted in Bedouin tradition, falcons once played a vital role in desert survival, used by nomadic tribes for hunting small game across the vast, arid landscape. Today, falconry has evolved from a necessity into a prestigious sport and cultural institution, particularly among the UAE’s elite, where owning and training a falcon is both a mark of heritage and high status.
These birds are treated with extraordinary care and reverence. In fact, falcons are so esteemed that they have their very own world-class medical facility—the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, the largest of its kind globally. Here, falcons receive everything from check-ups to complex surgeries, often with better healthcare than most humans. The most prized falcons—some worth over a million dollars—are fitted with GPS tracking systems, custom hoods, and even personalized passports.
Yes, falcons have passports—issued by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment—and they travel in style. Airlines like Etihad, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Royal Jordanian accommodate falcons in the cabin, not as cargo. Etihad Airways, for instance, permits one falcon per passenger in Economy Class, and up to two in Business Class. Buy an extra seat, and you can bring even more. It's not uncommon to see a hooded falcon calmly perched beside its handler on a flight—an unexpected yet normalized sight in the Gulf.
Falcons embody a unique blend of tradition and luxury, bridging the past and present in a way that few symbols can. Whether soaring across desert skies or flying first class to an international competition, these birds are a living testament to the UAE’s deep-rooted values, enduring legacy, and unmistakable sense of grandeur.