After pickup from your central Dubai hotel, relax into your air-conditioned vehicle and travel into the surrounding desert. On route, hear about the importance of falconry to the UAE. The practice was first used by indigenous Bedouins to supplement their diets with meat — courtesy of hares and birds caught by trained falcons. Today, the falcon is held in such reverence that it’s the UAE’s national symbol.
After about an hour, arrive at a desert retreat owned by a member of the local royal family, and be treated to an exciting falconry display.
Learn about the ancient and modern techniques used to train the falcons, and then watch transfixed as the falcons fly to collect lures and return to their gloved handlers. Admire the birds’ natural agility and power, and have a go at swinging a lure and flying your own falcon from your hand.
Afterward, board your chosen transport — either an open-top vintage Land Rover or plush Range Rover — and take a drive around the Dubai Desert Conversation Reserve. The UAE’s first national park, this pristine desert sanctuary provides a haven for countless species of desert animals, birds and plants.
As you travel, use the supplied binoculars to watch for rare Arabian oryx, as well as desert monitors, gazelles and other species of desert fauna and flora.
Return to the desert retreat and refuel with a tasty local snack such as chebab (Arabic pancake) or ragag (fresh bread). Then, if you wish, finish your visit with a camel ride across the sands.
Your experience concludes with a transfer back to your hotel.
Please note: a portion of your ticket price is donated to local animal conservation, so you can feel extra good about participating in this Dubai experience.
