Falcons with passports, on own plane seats? A peek into a falconer's world

The sight of a falcon occupying its own aircraft seat, complete with a passport, might seem surreal to most travellers.

- Ruqayya Al Qaydi

But for Ammar Al Marri, this is simply another day in the life of a dedicated Emirati falconer.

In just six months, the 35-year-old from Abu Dhabi has built an Instagram following of 72,000 people eager to get a glimpse into what goes behind falconry, a traditional practice that remains deeply embedded in Emirati culture.

Through his account 'uae-falcons', Al Marri has opened a window into a world of ancient traditions, revealing costs and commitments that few could imagine.

"I noticed there weren't accounts, whether from individuals or organisations, talking about falconry comprehensively," Al Marri explained.

"There are championships and other events and the country hasn’t fallen short, but we needed an account that conveys these things to enthusiasts and others — a comprehensive account covering all aspects.”

Al Marri, who currently maintains four birds including a pure Gyr falcon, a Gyr-Peregrine and two others, said: “Each person spends according to their situation, but for me, per bird it can reach up to Dh1,000.”

This monthly figure represents just the operational costs — the initial investments can be significantly higher. A single GPS tracking device, considered essential equipment for monitoring falcons, costs approximately Dh7,000.

Specialised training aircraft used to build the birds’ cardiovascular fitness represent another significant investment. These remote-controlled planes simulate prey behaviour, allowing falcons to engage their natural pursuit instincts while building the stamina necessary for hunting sessions.