The desert, vast and forbidding, often conjures up images of emptiness. Yet, for thousands of years, nomadic tribes have successfully adapted to the harsh conditions of the Rub’ al Khali desert, which encompasses most of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula. In addition to relying on camels for transportation and sustenance, Bedouins trained falcons to hunt hares and houbara bustards, providing a vital source of food.
Owning and training falcons was a sign of wealth and status among the Bedouins. These birds were highly prized and often passed down through generations. Over time, their cultural importance has only increased, serving as a link to the traditional way of life in the UAE and a connection to the desert.