Desert Falconry

Bedouin have practiced falconry since early pre-Islamic times. Historically, falconry played a fundamental economic and social role in the lives of the people of the United Arab Emirates.
It was not the prerogative of the elite, but rather a practice open to all, as falcons helped families to survive in the desert by providing them with wild game to supplement their diet. For this reason, Emiratis have strong emotional bonds with their falcons, often integrating them into the family. Yet, in the past, the relationship between the Bedouin and their birds lasted no longer than three or four months, as the birds were set free annually before summer. Many Emirati families own falcons, and a recent census counted more than 5,000 Emirati falconers across the country, making it the highest number of falconers per capita in the world.
The hood (burqa’)

The hood is an Arab invention, imported into Europe during the Middle Ages. It is the primary tool for the falconer, who uses it to calm the falcon by reducing her field of vision.
Mangalah

The mangalah is a cuff, an alternative to the traditional western falconer’s glove, on which the falcon is held. It can be covered with certain material (such as a piece of carpet or canvas).
Block

Falcons rest comfortably on their block before and after the hunt.
Houbara

The houbara bustard is the iconic bird of the Emirati desert and hunting tradition. It is a protected species, and its hunting is carefully controlled.
Saluki

The saluki is an excellent hunting dog from the sighthound family, native to the Middle East. Very muscular and slen- der, it runs at high speeds. In a traditional hunt, it seeks and flushes game, which the falcon then hunts.
عرب
English
Français
Nederlandse