Falconers in Abu Dhabi Train Their Raptors With Drones

[Major Shaitan Singh]

n the United Arab Emirates, falconry is one of the oldest and most treasured traditions. The sport dates back to an age when falcons were used to hunt food. Today, it's a social affair. Even the drones join in the fun.

Getty photographer Dan Kitwood recently went to Abu Dhabi, where he spent time with a group of friends who gathered in the evening to train their raptors (a.k.a. birds of prey). In one exercise, they used drones to float lures full of food which the the birds would snatch mid-flight. The presence of the quadcopter is undoubtedly a 21st-century addition, but adorning a lure flying displays with a bit of showmanship is a centuries' old tradition. Still looks cool, too.

A falcon perched on a wafer of fake grass waiting to be flown.

A close up of a falcon on sale at a shop in Abu Dhabi. Note the hand-painted decorations on the meticulously made hood.

In the absence of a drone, a lure may be displayed with a long stick.

 

[SipahSalar]

I have heard it's a rich man's sport. These falcons can cost upto $100,000 each.