Serving as the capital of the United Arab Emirates, while also being one of the most developed cities in the world, is Abu Dhabi. Located on an island on the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is a hub of political, cultural and industrial activity, and is also a major financial centre in the region. This urban city is also a major tourist attraction, as Abu Dhabi’s unique culture and fascinating attractions make it ideal for an intriguing visit.
A rather unique activity that certain people engage in; which are also considered to be a sport, is falconry. Falconry is the art of capturing and training falcons, one of the fiercest birds of prey, to capture other creatures in their natural habitat. Falconry takes a great deal of skill and patience as transforming a predator of the sky to obey a master is no easy task. One of the places where falconry is still practiced, quite extensively, is in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi has a long history of falconry, as Bedouins used to catch and train falcons to catch and kill hares and other small creatures for their consumption. Ever since those times falcons have been a significant creature in the local culture, which is evident in the fact that the falcon is found even the currency notes and national logos of Abu Dhabi. The falconers of Abu Dhabi are known to spend months on end to tame and train these creatures, which is considered to be a most challenging task. There are several falconer clubs and institutions also established in Abu Dhabi, such as the Emirates Falconers Club, the Pro-Falcon Centre, and Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital which promote sustainable hunting while also enhancing the sport. It truly is magnificent sights to watch these predators of the sky soar into the sky for a hunt under the command of their masters, and the Presidents Cup for Falconry, with its soaring awards is an ideal place to witness it all. For those who are interested in this ancient and unique sport, Abu Dhabi is an excellent place to engage in it.

Set amidst the mystic charm of the deserts of Abu Dhabi is the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, one of the most splendid and luxurious Abu Dhabi hotels. Belonging to the world renowned Anantara group of hotels and resorts, this resort offers accommodation in a range of tranquil and stylishly furnished rooms and villas. The many leisure, wellness and recreational facilities of this resort make one of the most esteemed luxury hotels Abu Dhabi could boast of.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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