Day 9 - Thu 26 Sep: Abu Dhabi

31- 40 degC (55-35 % humidity)

Thankfully were able to sleep in a bit before having breakfast as the bus was only collecting us at 9am. Due to the host nation military not being able to organise a visit to a local establishment, we asked the FIP organising committee to assist, and assist they did, and of course, MEPS had to pay.

Our first stop was at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH) which is the first public institution in the United Arab Emirates that provides comprehensive veterinary health care services exclusively for falcons. Since opening on 3 Oct 1999, ADFH Hospital has become the largest falcon hospital in the UAE and in the world.  Since its inception, the ADFH has emerged as the leading centre for falcon medicine world-wide. Over the years, the ADFH has established a loyal and a wide patient-base not just in the UAE, but also in countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. In 2006, the hospital expanded to become a specialized avian hospital for all kinds of birds and poultry species.

Another major step in becoming a comprehensive animal care centre was the opening of the ADFH Pet Care Centre on 1 Jul 07. It comprises VIP boarding kennels for dogs and cats as well as pet grooming and dog training facilities. In 2011, ADFH started its own falcon breeding centre to breed falcons for customers. Moreover, it breeds saker falcons for the H.H. The Late Sheik Zayed falcon release program.

The major falcons at the hospital are the peregrines (smaller and fast), the saker falcon which is the national bird of the UAE and then the gyr falcon which is the largest of the falcons and come with a rather hefty price tag of over AED0.5M (AS200k).

We were told the following facts:

-          Their favourite food is fresh meat (commonly quail here at the ADFH)

-          Their average age is between 18-20 years

-          Females are larger than males

-          They can carry 3-4 times their own body weight

-          They have 3 seasons – molting/moulting (3-4 months), hunting (not allowed in UAE), and breeding (lay 3-5 eggs which hatch after a 20-day incubation

Falcons in the UAE have their own passport as they often travel abroad. During the molting/moulting season, all feathers are kept and recycled. That is, they are used when a bird is brought in for repairs after an accident, and they can actually replace broken feathers or parts of broken feathers!

After the introduction we were taken into the hospital part where we got to see many of the birds all waiting for their turn to see the doctor. They were all hooded of course to stop them from fighting with each other. We then witnessed a bird being anaesthetised in order for some routine procedures and checks to be carried out – talon clipping and re-sharpening, and then a general check-up – wings, feathers, legs, eyes, ears, beak, etc. We then each got to hold a saker falcon and then I was the only lucky one and got to feed a saker falcon. I had to hold a dead, gutted and de-feathered quail tightly while the bird ripped the thing apart. An amazing experience to be up close and so personal with one of life’s greatest birds-of-prey. The rest of the day was a little anti-climatic. We were shown a little more of the facility which included an airconditioned room to house the falcons whilst they were shedding their feathers. It was unclear as to whether the birds in this enclosure were fed live quail and rats or not. The hospital has its own quail and rat breeding facility in order to keep the meat fresh for the birds.

It was back on the bus for the 45 min trip to the Marina Mall for lunch where I had my one and only Maccas meal for the trip – same taste for much the same price.

Our last place to visit for the day was the UAE Presidential Palace or Qasr Al Watan. No-one actually lives in this palace; it is used more as a tourist attraction and is also used to hold presidential and other governmental meetings. It is quite OTT.

Another full day, so it was early to bed in preparation for the next two-days activities.

Outpatients waiitng room

a bird ebing aneasthetised

Check out that wing span

Checking the talons

Falcon's hood

Avain blood collecting tubes - see how tiny they are!

Me holding a saker falcon

Me feeding a differnt saker falcon

Avian operating theatre, they also have two avain ICUs

One of the gardens at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital 

An owl that required rehab, and cannot be released into the wild

The Fairmont Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Other speccy looking buildings in Abu Dhabi

One of the many chandeliers in the palace

Some of the gifts given to the UAE rulers over the years (and below)

The 3-layered chandelier in the space where the Federal Supreme Council, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council meet. It comprises 350 000 Swarovski crystals, weighs 12 tonnes and absorbs abient sounds in the room. Didn't really capture it's beauty the lights were not on