I Finally Got over My Fear of Birds With ACTUAL Dubai Falcons
I don’t know if this is considered a phobia, but I wasn’t really a fan of birds. Their eyes freak me out for some reason. But soon, my friends dared me to get over it. And while I’m not the bravest person in the world, I’m not the type to say no to a dare.
My friends took me to some falconry spots in Dubai for a “go big or go home” experience. Honestly, I wanted to go home. But part of me was curious too! When I got there, I was shaking a bit, but the caretakers were so nice that I had to give it a try.
The key is that they got me to focus on how majestic these birds are. And believe it or not, an actual falcon safely landed on my glove! After that day, I managed to conquer my fear at several other Dubai falconry spots too. If you’re curious, see my guide below!
Where can I experience falconry in Dubai?
There are several places where you can experience falconry in Dubai. Notable spots to interact with these magnificent creatures are Platinum Heritage, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, and Falcon and Heritage Sports Centre.
Platinum Heritage
Media from platinumheritage
Website: http://www.platinum-heritage.com/
Address: RJJF+6M Murqquab
Contact Details: +971 4 440 9827, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 12 AM
Fees:
- Starts at AED 595 per adult
Platinum Heritage offers a unique desert safari with falcons in Dubai. Here, you can learn about ancient falconry techniques and how they’re used in today’s time.
The experts here will help you actively participate in birds of prey performance too! These stunning creatures will fly to your glove, and the pros will also teach you how to get the birds to do some aerial tricks.
I also like that this 60-minute nature safari comes with a traditional breakfast, camel rides, and a vintage Land Rover for you to seamlessly explore the desert.
Pro tip:
Is anyone’s birthday coming up? Folks at Platinum Heritage could help you get a birthday cake for your loved one for a delightful surprise!
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa
Media from babalshamshotel
Website: https://www.babalshams.com/
Address: Al Qudra Road – opposite Endurance City
Contact Details: +971 4 809 6100, [email protected]
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is a nice and rustic spot where you can see a complimentary falcon show and a camel ride.
This comes with a lavish dinner with live entertainment served in Al Hadheerah restaurant, an open-air desert restaurant that’s less than a 5-minute walk. Alternatively, I recommend getting the free buggy ride if you don’t feel like walking that day.
Pro tip:
If you’re a family of 4, you can upgrade your suites at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa with a balcony and interconnecting rooms free of charge!
Falcon and Heritage Sports Centre
Media from antoniofalconer
Address: Muscat St – Nad Al Sheba 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 327 2854, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Saturday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 4 PM to 10 PM
Falcon and Heritage Sports Centre has a falcon museum, which I am in awe of. There’s even a vet clinic to see how the pros operate on the falcons when needed, which I thought was very interesting as an animal lover.
Of course, the highlight is taking pictures with the falcons, as well as being able to hold them. Just make sure to follow all their guidelines so the experience goes on smoothly.
But what I like most about this spot is how passionate the experts are about explaining the birds’ history. They share great insights about how the falcons were on the brink of extinction and how the prompt action of a group saved these lovely creatures.
Pro tip:
Apart from the free entrance and parking, Falcon and Heritage Sports Centre has shops full of interesting stuff. Check these out for some fun bird-rearing, hunting, and camping items you can gift yourself or your friends!
WildFlight
Media from wildflightme
Website: https://wildflight.ae/
Address: Al Fattan Plaza, Al Garhoud
Contact Details: +971 4 286 5587, [email protected]
WildFlight offers several amazing falconry packages and shows. This involves getting real close with the birds, so I bet it would be easy for guests to bond with them here.
There’s the 40-minute Sunset Falconry Display among the dunes, the Static Falconry Display where a falconer is present to answer questions, and the Interactive Falconry Display, which, from its name alone, makes it the guests’ favorite choice!
Pro tip:
Been loving your time with the birds? We say take the Hawk Walk too! It’s where you can enjoy a short stroll while being followed by a trained hawk. Just note that this experience is limited to 10 guests at a time.
Royal Shaheen
Media from royalshaheen
Website: https://royalshaheen.ae/
Address: PO Box 79342
Contact Details: +971 4 435 6550, [email protected]
If you’re with a small group, Royal Shaheen provides enthusiasts with a rare and intimate UAE heritage experience with the beautiful winged creatures.
Its 90-minute falconry experience will let you personally handle, fly—and even feed—some of the birds! With the pros, you’ll also get to see the animals’ behavioral patterns and biological makeup, which I think can make you appreciate them more.
Pro tip:
Should you want a more exclusive experience at Royal Shaheen, we recommend getting a private tour! Do note that this option is easily fully booked, so we advise contacting the staff soon if you’re interested.