January 2020
We experienced the timeless tradition of falconry and the magic of the desert in the United Arab Emirates, where ancient Bedouin heritage comes to life. We booked this experience through Platinum Heritage. We had a wonderful day.
We booked the Heritage Falconry tour with our friends Wim and Birgit, which turned out to be one of the most memorable cultural experiences of our time in the UAE.
Door-to-door service
We were picked up from our home early in the morning by our Heritage Platinum guide and taken to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where the majority of our excursion would take place. Upon arrival, we were invited to choose a colored scarf, which our guide then tied around our heads in the traditional manner.
Afterwards, we were escorted to a small hut where we were offered refreshments. This is also where our falconry experience was set to begin, in a calm desert setting surrounded by the natural landscape of the reserve.
Falconry experience
Falconry is not just an activity here, it is a living tradition deeply woven into Emirati identity, with roots stretching back more than 2,000 years. In the desert environment of Arabia, where survival once depended on skill, patience, and a close understanding of nature, falcons became trusted hunting companions for Bedouin communities.
Today, this heritage is carefully preserved and celebrated, especially in places like Dubai, where falconry is recognized as a symbol of pride, heritage, and national identity.
What makes it so unique is the combination of ancient practice and modern care: falcons are now trained and protected with advanced veterinary support, passports for travel, and strict welfare standards, while still maintaining traditional training techniques passed down through generations.
Interactive demonstration
During the interactive birds of prey demonstration, we were introduced to the ancient methods that define Emirati falconry; training based on trust rather than force, using food rewards, vocal cues, and a deep understanding of the bird’s behavior. The falconer explained how each bird has its own personality, hunting style, and learning pace, and how centuries-old knowledge is still used today in both conservation and sport.
Our turn
One of the highlights of the experience was the opportunity to handle and fly the birds ourselves. We extended our gloved hands as Harris’s hawks soared in smooth, controlled arcs before landing confidently on our arms.
We even took part in a few aerial training exercises, learning how falconers guide direction, timing, and recall through subtle gestures and whistles.
We also worked with Barn owls, whose silent flight and precise movements made the experience feel almost surreal. Watching them respond mid-air to the falconer’s signals and return with perfect accuracy gave us a real sense of the discipline behind this ancient craft.
This experience connects naturally with the wider tradition of desert life, which is also reflected in modern desert safari tours across the UAE. Just as falconry represents skill and cooperation with nature, desert safaris in regions around Dubai and Abu Dhabi recreate aspects of Bedouin heritage in a more immersive, adventure-focused way.
Traditional Emirati breakfast
After this impressive demonstration, we were treated to a traditional Emirati breakfast in an authentic Bedouin-style camp.
Sitting on low cushions in a relaxed desert setting, we enjoyed a spread of local dishes along with freshly brewed Arabic coffee and sweet dates, simple yet full of flavor, and deeply rooted in the hospitality customs of the UAE.
Camel ride
Following breakfast, we took a short camel ride around the camp. Moving at a gentle pace through the sand, it gave us a small glimpse into how people once traveled through the desert, long before modern transport.
Camels, often called the 'ships of the desert', were essential to Bedouin life, used for transport, milk, and trade.
Wildlife safari by vintage jeep
The final part of the trip was an adventurous wildlife drive through a private part of Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in a private vintage Land Rover Series II. This part felt like stepping back in time, as these classic vehicles were among the first to be used for desert exploration in the region.
Our guide shared insights about the fragile desert ecosystem and the conservation efforts that protect it today. Along the way, we were lucky enough to spot the Arabian oryx, a native and once-endangered species that has been successfully reintroduced into the wild.
Seeing such a rare and graceful animal in its natural habitat was a real highlight, something we had never experienced before.
From camel rides across vast dunes to traditional desert camps with Arabic coffee, cultural stories, the falconry experience, and the desert safari: all together, it offered a powerful insight into how Emirati traditions are preserved and shared today, not as static history, but as living, evolving customs that continue to shape identity and hospitality in the UAE.
It was an unforgettable journey that beautifully combined culture, nature, and adventure; a truly authentic experience that we would absolutely recommend to anyone visiting the UAE. More information and bookings --> click here.
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