The Falcon: UAE’s National Bird and Symbol of Prestige
The falcon is the national bird of the UAE and holds significant cultural and historical importance. In the past, falcons were crucial for Bedouins to hunt in the desert. Today, they symbolize status, and falconry is a prestigious sport practiced by the UAE’s elite.
Falcons are so valued that they have their own hospital, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, and can cost over a million dollars. They even have passports and can travel in the cabin on flights with airlines like Etihad, Emirates, Qatar, and Royal Jordanian.
These airlines have specific guidelines for traveling with falcons. For example, Etihad allows one falcon per person in Economy and two in Business. If you buy an extra seat, you can bring even more falcons. So, don’t be surprised if you find yourself sitting next to one on your next flight!