Falcon 1—Private Dubai Falconry Safari

Incredible tour and guide

This was an amazing tour. Truly memorable. Khan picked us up early and on time. We visited the camel race track and then entered the reserve where we drove the sandy tracks and spotted local wildlife (oryx, antelope). We then had some Arabic coffee and met the birds. We were able to touch and feed the birds before they put on an amazing hunting and aerial display. Khan was an awesome photo and videographer and captured us smiling ear to ear as we observed and had great fly bys from the birds. Then we enjoyed an amazing breakfast buffet as a family. Highly, highly recommend.

Wonderful time

Was a wonderful experience. Lots of interactions with several different types of birds. The trainers used our phones to take some great videos and pictures of us with the birds making some wonderful memories. Breakfast was excellent. This adventure will not disappoint.

Fantastic experience

Fantastic experience with exceptional and very friendly service that fully meets our expectations. Highly commended and recommended

A True, Golden Bucket-List Excursion

This was a phenomenal excursions tied to the heart of the Emirates. Out of all the activities I had done in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (about 25-various activities), this falconry experience is the only one I would do again. I am already planning my second time with this specific travel group. Amin, our guide and pick-up driver, was beyond professional and informative. He sought out to make sure we had a remarkable and memorable experience. I would request him specifically. What also makes this unique is the location: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Breath-taking sunset with a view on the Omani mountains allowed us to take magazine tier photographs. The falconry experience was beyond unique and intimate. We had the opportunity to learn about all the various birds of prey and got very up close and personal. As stated already, I am already willing to go back again for a second time due to the intimacy and memorable experiences with Amin and the birds of prey.

Falcon Experience in the Desert

This falcon experience was one of the highlights of our time in Dubai. Highly recommend adding the breakfast.

Professional and loving experience.

What amazing experiences this was. Our Falcon trainer Khan was amazing. He’s very knowledgeable and gentle with birds, patient with us. A great support we had in this training from Khan’s friend name Rahim, he teached us how to feed eagle and falcons. He served us hot and cold beverages, sweets and he was very friendly. I am considering to take again this program, this time I’m going to bring my teenage son with me. I want to add also breakfast I had at Al Maha resort near traning location was the best. We had it all, from poached eggs and fruit salat, fresh juice it was the best breakfast. Thank you Mr. Khan I we will be back next year! Best

Incredible Experience

Absolutely incredible experience early in the morning in the desert - private tour - guides were awesome- highly recommend - one of the greatest highlights of our stay in Dubai!

Bucket list experience - worth every penny!

Worth every penny! Outstanding experience. Khan was great! Saw racing camels, desert sunrise, and interacted with four different birds. Khan and helper were excellent. Highly recommended

Another happy recommendation for Royal Shaheen

Our goal was to have an interactive falconry experience and Royal Shaheen delivered. Despite confusion about the pick-up point and the weather playing games with our plans, our guide and his co-host managed to let us handle 5 different birds, kept us entertained, and informed us about the history and art of Falconry. I would happily recommend this company and would be happy to visit them again. Something that worked very well for us was that we shared cell phone numbers which helped resolve the pick-up confusion quickly.

Excellent experience.

Really enjoyed it. Our private tour was well organised from communications, pick up, transport and the falconry. The guide was a lovely guy who had lots of knowledge. The birds were amazing. We got some great photos. Learnt a lot too.

Must do in Dubai!

We had an amazing experience. The tour itself was so personable, and we ourselves had decided to stay at another tour longer that day and I had reached out last min and asked if we could change our pickup location. Which they did. They picked us up at the new arrival spot on time and drove us to the desert. From the time of pick up to the end of the tour everything was so personable. We learned so much about falconry and truly had a magical day. Thank you guys for an amazing time.

Upclose with birds of prey

Amin was our falconer. He was professional and very hospitable. He was punctual and knew a lot about the birds. We had a wonderful experience and my two kids (6 and 2) loved interacting with the birds. We also had a lot of opportunities to click pictures.

Must do!

Amin and Raheem our falconers were very friendly knowledgeable. We had an amazing time. Even My 1 year old was able to interact and enjoy it and got to pet sheldon (owl). Each bird had its personality. They were all so beautiful and majestic. Definitely a must do experience!

Once in a lifetime experience

Sarah and his colleague provided an outstanding experience. He was extremely knowledgeable and very accommodating! We had an exceptional experience. We look forward to bringing family next year!! Thank you!

Don't think about it, Do it!

We loved every minute of this experience. Sarab and Amin were our guys in the field, they were so wonderful, they made you comfortable right away and were so much fun. Your adventure begins with delicious Arabic coffee and dates, it was then time for the adventure to begin. Our raptor repertoire included; a Gyr Falcon (Wathba), Barn Owl (Shonu), Dessert Eagle Owl (Sheldon), Harris Hawk, (Salli) and a Greater Spotted Eagle (Khaima). Special thanks to Shara for assistance in putting this together, always great at responding to emails and getting information to me. If you're thinking about this tour I would say do it, you will be glad you did! The photos are amazing, thanks Sarab for some great pics and footage, I've looked at them everyday since the tour. I would also suggest breakfast at Al Maha Resort, it's only minutes away and was very good.

Family vacation highlight

This trip was truly amazing. Our family was picked up from our hotel for the private afternoon falcon safari. Our guide Sarab was the most friendly, knowledgable, pleasant and helpful person. You could see he has a very close bond with the birds, who were treated very carefully and utmost respectfully. Upon arrival in the desert we were welcomed by his nice colleague with coffee and dates and we felt very comfortable. Also our toddler was welcome and integrated so that he also could be close to the birds, crawl in the desert sand and look at the show. The desert conservation reserve is absolutely beautiful and the sunset while we watched Oryx in the sand was stunning. Also booking and communication with Royal Shaheen was great. Thank you, Shara, for the quick and comprehensive communication. We can fully recommend this trip.

Unique, once in a lifetime experience with the bids of prey!

It all starts with very good attention from Shara as she handled the reservation, my questions and explained what to expect. She was very kind and accommodating. Then, early morning on the next day I was greeted by Sarab, who drove me to the reserve and inside it is where the wonders start: from watching the sunrise in the desert, to learning so many different things about the birds of prey and getting to fly yourself a Hawk, a Falcon, two Owls and and Eagle to/from your own hand is nothing but amazing. They focus on you all the time, take amazing pics and videos, explain about the animals and their habits and make sure you enjoy while feeling safe (the eagle is quite big!). Among all animals you start to also realize how different they are in personalities - I fell particularly in love for the little barn owl that happened to land in my head instead of my hand! I know one sometimes thinks twice about taking a private trip afraid to get disappointed because it tends to be pricey - in this case, the experience is breathtaking and worth it so go for it! Thank you Sarab, Shara and team!

Amazing Trip

This is an amazing trip. Bought for my husbands birthday. The two guys (sorry can’t remember they names) were excellent and knowledgeable. We flew a falcon, Harris hawk, eagle and two owls. They look video and photos on my phone they were incredible. Highly recommend!

Royal Shaheed is the best

The best part of this is the interaction between the guests, the birds and the falconers. We loved that we could participate instead of just watch.

Throughly engaging and awesome

Thank you for an Incredible experience with Peter, Michael, and the falcons! I learned so much about the art and science of falconry, and Peter and Michael went out of their way to make sure that both the birds and I were safe and comfortable the whole time. This was a thoroughly engaging, dynamic, and meaningful experience - not some tourist bird show. Made my entire Dubai stopover worth it.

Amazing Experience

Absolutely beautiful birds and well organised tour. Hendrik our guide is extremely knowledgeable and a fantastic hospitality person.

See amazing birds up close

We spent an amazing morning in the desert learning about and handling birds of prey: falcons, eagles, owls and hawks. Our guide Cesar was an actual falconer, and his respect and love for the birds, as well as his deep knowledge, made for a fascinating and enjoyable morning. Unlike the very brief falconry demonstration you get on the typical Dubai desert safari, this is an in-depth, small group (in our case, 2-person) experience, which gives you an opportunity to see and interact wit the birds up close. The setting, a grove of gaf trees in a desert reserve, is magical in itself--big trees, shade, and the sounds of bird calls all around you. This experience is not cheap, and requires commitment (early morning pickup and an hour-long drive), but for us it was absolutely worth it. We give this experience our highest recommendation.

very very exciting times！

I was able to spend a very worthwhile time with three falcons, an owl and an eagle at vast and beautiful desert!! And tour guides are very kind and he taught me many things about Arab falconry and birds of prey. I really enjoyed the time!!!

Great personal Falcon Experience

This Private tour was excellent. If you want to get up close and personal with the birds then this is for you. Our tour guides Caesar and Rahim are extremely knowledgeable and have a great attitude for managing a private experience. After our interactive an informative session in the desert our tour included the breakfast at the Marriot with our reservation. This is wonderful as our tour time was chilly in the desert in the morning so a cup of coffee at the resort was welcoming. Shutout to Caesar and Rahim

Highly recommended experience

This company stands proudly head and shoulders above the very best in the UAE. At Royal Shaheen they are committed to limiting the negative environmental impact which desert tours have on the animals and plants, in this fragile landscape. The guides are the complete opposite of the desert cowboys of cheaper companies, they are highly intelligent and experienced eco-warriors with a passion for the the birds of prey they work with. The trip was an excellent learning opportunity. The company is on the cutting-edge of falconry training, using the latest technology to train birds safely and effectively with their own remote controlled Berghwing. What a memorable day.

Exceptionally memorable and fun

My husband and I spent an exceptional morning with Cesar and Rahim, as well as all of the birds of prey that we had the privilege to handle. Their knowledge and respect for the birds was impressive, and the surrounding natural reserve is stunningly beautiful. We learned so much from them. This is a must do for anyone visiting Dubai.

Incredibly beautiful

If you are not looking for the usual desert safaris, this is the place for you. exceptional experience with different birds of prey. the guide explained everything and answered all questions. ride through the beautiful national park. everything perfect and getting up early is worth it!

AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!!!!!

There are many things you can see and do in Dubai, but there is NOTHING like this private Falconry tour! Dylan was our guide and had such a depth of knowledge and experience, not only in Falconry but also in the Bedouin culture. With this private tour we were able to interact with 5 different raptors, learning about each species and seeing each ones unique personalities. We followed this with the breakfast package which was also quite nice. The staff at Royal Shaheen is very professional, structured, but also very fun! Dylan and Raheem gave us the experience of a lifetime! Thank you both!!

Amazing!!! Lifetime experience!!!

Private Falconry safari was definitely worth waking up at 5 am. We learned so much about birds and desert life from Cesar. Thank you Cesar for your professionalism! Thank you Rahim for hospitality and photography!

Simply perfect

We've booked the traditional falconry experience incl. breakfast at the Al Maha desert resort and it was simply the best experience of our vacation. Thanks again to Cesar and Rahim! The booked package was very intimate, individual and personal. So, Cesar for example also included a short trip to the camel racing track. Having reached the desert it reminded me a bit of a safari at an African lodge, wich is a good thing and made the experience so special! It definitely wasn't the touristy stuff that you can get everywhere. Cesar was very knowledgeable about the birds and the tradition of falconry. Rahim was simply gorgeous....and a quite good photographer 😃 The only thing that could be improved is maybe to grant a bit more time (30 minutes would already help) at the Al Maha resort and to also drive a bit more through the Desert Reserve....but even without I can only recommend this trip!

Unique Experience in Dubai

A unique desert experience. My wife (65 yrs old) was a bit nervous at first about flying the birds, but was delighted with it. She rated this excursion the best of our entire trip. Cesar was great as our expert guide. You have to get up early, but it's worth it!

Beautiful experience

The private tour is a bit pricey, however it's worth the money spent. We got two vehicles as we were 5 in total. The kids were definitely thrilled with the experience, so as us adults. I would definitely reccomend this activity. The guides showed the highest level of professionalism and knowledge. Thanks a lot.

Best falconry experience in Dubai

This experience was an absolute delight from start to finish. I have lived for 34 years in Dubai, but this amazing activity really opened my eyes - not just with the birds but on the environment and nature of the desert and mountains as a whole. Seeing the flight of these wonderful creatures and handling them ourselves was something very special. The kids were fascinated and our falconer, Dylan, had a palpable passion for the birds, art of falconry and enjoyment sharing his expansive knowledge. That really shone through. Thanks for an incredible morning

Must do if you are in Dubai

Probably the most amazing activity we did on our trip to Dubai. Cesar was unbelievable with the entire experience and is just a wealth of knowledge. Have a new appreciation for falconry.

Magnificent Birds of Prey

What an experience 😃. The highlight of my time in Dubai. Cesar and Waseem were outstanding. Magnificent birds and an honour to fly them and learn about them. Must do.

Simply wonderful!!

I wanted to take inspiration from the other reviews to find the right words to describe this fantastic experience. JFB1955 perfectly described the tour (done by me and my family around the same time of the year). I just have to confirm every word and thank again Dylan, Rahim and of course their fantastic birds for the incredible dive in the falconry. This is the kind of experience you remember for the whole life and makes you smile with melanchony when you think about it. Dylan is the type of person you only meet few times in life: in addition to his experience and knowledge (which he managed to pass on to us with enthusiasm in such a short time), he can put you at ease from the first moment he shakes your hand… and you realize you've met a new friend.

AMAZING Experience

This was hands down one of the best things I've done while traveling. The service was exceptional - we wanted to do this very badly but there was no availability but they were able to squeeze us in when we contacted them directly. Cesar picked us up at the lobby - the visit started with an introduction Khaimah - the most beautiful Spotted Eagle - who rode with us to and from the experience. From the minute we got into the car until we were dropped off several hours later, Cesar talked to us about the birds, falconry, UAE and what all we were seeing. All in the comfort of a new jeep. We flew 5 birds (Jane aPeregrine Falcon, Chinook a peregrine falcon, Khaimah, a spotted eagle, Winchester the most beautiful harris hawk, and Khaleesi, the most gorgeous Eagle Owl). The whole experience was the two of us and the two guides who managed the birds. We then did a wonderful desert drive. Absolutely amazing and something I would recommend EVERYONE to consider when in Dubai!

Completely Fascinating!

Our experience started when we met Dylan downstairs at 0530 - we knew we were in for a great experience when we piled into his Royal Shaheen emblazoned Jeep and found "Germ (Gyrm)" perched between the front seats. Germ is a mixed Gyr and Merlin hybrid falcon and was a perfect gentleman on our ride to the Desert Conservation Reserve (DCR). Along the way, Dylan was regaling us the history of falconry in general, highlighting differences in the birds and their training. Our first stop on the way was at the Dubai Camel track where at least a hundred camels were waiting their turn to get their morning training run in. Dylan pointed out how the training is accomplished, how the camels are raced - in short - when we left 20 minutes later to continue on to the DCR, we were way smarter about camels than we'd arrived. Upon entering the DCR, we started seeing antelope and Onyx meandering on the sand dunes, eating their pre-dawn meal on the scrub and small trees growing in the desert. We took a magical picture of a mother and baby Onyx backlighted by the sun rising over the mountains separating Oman and Dubai. After pulling off the sand track, we parked next to a small stand of trees to meet Dylan's partner Rahim. Rahim had set out a rug on the sand and prepared an early morning coffee and date repast. Sitting beside us were four different falcons, hawks, and eagles that we'd get to know over the next two hours or so. The quiet of the early morning desert is a sublime experience. Next, we did a different training or demonstration experience with each of the birds Dyland and Rahim had chosen for us. Between the discussion we'd had with Dylan and what we experienced "on the wing", we gained a new appreciation for the dedication, time, and training required to enjoy falconry. Each training evolution was explained by Dylan - both in terms of what was expected and how it exercises the bird's specific hunting or attack characteristics. A really fun part of the training demonstrated how a small remotely piloted flying wing was used to exercise nature's fastest animal - the Peregrine Falcon. The plane turned, climbed, rolled and dove with the Peregrine in hot pursuit - finally ending when "Ghost" snagged the lure attached to the plane and flew it down to the ground for a good shaking. Our final evolution with Penny (eagle) and Tom (hawk) were perch to glove flights that resulted in some amazing videos and pictures. Interacting with these animals was a beautiful and moving experience. After we gathered everything up, Dylan took us to the Falconry Souk -- wow -- the Emiratis are serious about their sport and their birds. We were there at the beginning of the season so new birds were arriving and awaiting new owners for the upcoming season. Along with the birds and falconry equipment on display, there is a museum that describes falconry as practiced in the Emirates. Dylan was an amazingly knowledgeable guide into our first falconry experience. His 30 years of experience span the world - US, UK, UAE, and Africa -- experience perfectly matched with an outgoing nature and willingness to share passionately his love for this sport and his birds. This is a one of a kind experience and something we'd do again on our next visit to Dubai - we'd learn even more next time and be smiling just as broadly when he drops us off at the hotel as we were this time!

Desert Experience

The trip started at 05:30 hrs with a surprise introduction to Khaimah, a greater spotted eagle, who was perched in the rear of the 4 x 4 vehicle. Then into the desert where we were met by Cesar's assistant Rahim, who offered us a coffee.before the show started. After listening to Cesar's very knowledgeable account of the birds of prey he then demonstrated the techniques used to train them. Then it was our turn to receive the birds onto our outstretched arms and watch at very close quarters the birds feeding. Whilst this was going on Rahim was taking many photographs with my camera. Then onto the desert retreat hotel for breakfast. A truly fantastic experience was delivered expertly by Cesar and his assistant Rahim. Gary & Valerie Marsh - England

Mr Stephen Reddy

This was a magical experience and one that stay in the memory for a long long time. The knowledge of the guides/ falconer was exceptional and I thoroughly recommend this adventure. You won’t be disappointed. 10/10

Up close with the birds!

Cesar picked us up at the hotel lobby around 4:30am, before it gets too hot for the birds to be comfortable. A gorgeous drive into the desert, maybe an hour long.. beautiful colors at sunrise on desert. Up close with 5 different birds, which will probably vary depending on what bird he wants to bring that day. Don't skip on the optional breakfast at a fantastic hotel. It's too expensive to stay at that hotel for me, but this is a great way to experience it for an hour. Highly recommended.

Royal shaheen tours.

What an amazing experience we had with Hendrik and Rahim and of course the birds of prey. Life time memories we will always have. Thankyou and we highly recommend this tour.

An absolute must!

Everything about this experience was on point! Hendrik and Rahim were very welcoming and incredibly knowledgeable about falconry, the local wildlife and conservation, and Dubai in general. I would give it more stars if TripAdvisor would let me

An experience of a lifetime!

If you want a personal, close-up adventure with birds of prey, and experts who will share their knowledge and love of the ancient art of falconry in the beautiful Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve—then book this tour with Royal Shaheen Events! From the minute our guide, Cesar, promptly picked us up from our hotel in the morning (with one additional passenger with us—Khaimah, a beautiful greater spotted eagle!), until the minute he dropped us off back at our hotel, we had an incredible adventure! Cesar and his partner, Rahim, are passionate about their craft as well as the birds for which they are responsible. Watching them interact with their team, it was obvious how much they love these magnificent creatures! Throughout the tour, Cesar was wonderful answering all our questions and sharing his knowledge of the ancient art of falconry with us! The team they gathered for us was amazing: Khaleesi - Desert eagle owl (female) Jane- Red naped Peregrine falcon (female) Chinook- Gyr/peregrine falcon (female) Khaimah - greater spotted eagle (male) Winchester - Harris hawk (male) It was fascinating to watch Cesar and Rahim exercise the birds and feed them, all the while explaining why they do what they do. Very informative. A piece of advice: don’t get lost behind your phone’s camera—just watch. There are many videos out there with birds flying, if you aren’t paying attention you will miss the real action. The highlights of the tour were when we were able actually “catch” some of the birds from their flight! It is an incredible feeling watching these birds of prey focus, fly and alight on your outstretched arm; they are right there with you! It couldn’t be better! It is also obvious that Royal Shaheen cares about their resources, people and birds, and wants people to get an amazing falconry experience. Their staff contacted us the day before by email to confirm our guide, pick up place and time—nice peace of mind. VIP treatment the entire morning. Additional notes: 1. We booked the breakfast option and really enjoyed that. It was nice to have a meal especially since we didn’t eat before the tour because it was so early and it was a bit of a drive to the Reserve. The hotel is beautiful and the meal delicious. 2. We went to the Dubai Falcon Souk (Market) which was interesting, but a better choice might have been spending more time at the Reserve looking at scenery and wildlife. The Souk was not as intriguing as we expected. It was our choice to go so I can’t blame Cesar for honoring our request. 3. Rahim is very skilled with a camera, so trust him to take pictures and videos with your phones while you are working with the birds. You will get excellent photos and videos!! Overall, a phenomenal experience!

An experience to remember. Excellent service.

Our guides, Cesar and Rahim, were excellent. It is hard not to fall in love with the birds after seeing up close how beautiful, powerful, and graceful they are. Cesar is a veterinarian who is obviously passionate and very knowledgeable about birds and other animals. He demonstrated a healthy respect and loving care for the birds with whom he has a special bond. The desert tour was very good too, and we saw a number of fascinating animals, We will treasure this experience for a long time.

Professional, informative, friendly, and amazing, all in one experience!

Picked up exactly as arranged by our falconer Rebecca, & off to the reserve with a quick stop at the camel racing compound on the way. Drive through pristine dunes at sunrise was a delight, as was the abundance of wildlife. Met up with Rahim for a welcome coffee + dates, then onto the interactive display showing both traditional and modern training techniques, even including a drone! Owl, falcons, hawk, & eagle we’re all spectacular, & such a joy to get so hands on, with expert guidance / handling from Rebecca + Rahim. Worthy of mention is the beauty & serenity of the setting. We went on to breakfast with great views from the resort terrace, then stopped off at the falcon market on the return trip to our hotel. A truly fabulous experience, & one we cannot recommend highly enough. A huge thank you to Rebecca, Rahim, and the Royal Shaheen team for such a stunning addition to our Dubai vacation.

Incomparable experience!!!

I don't have words to explain how phenomenal this experience was! Nothing about it disappoints. The birds are beyond magnificent and I specifically would like to thank Hendrix, Hugo, and Rahmim. This should go on everyone's bucket-list.

Once in a lifetime experience!

Hard to describe the experience as it is truly amazing and different from any other typical tourist trap. It is worth every single dollar! Everything was TOP ; from our friendly and very knowledgeable falconer and guide Cesar, to his Assistant assisting with pictures and videos, the 5 different birds themselves you get to interact with as well as the breathtaking desert landscape and the private and exclusive location itself. Many thanks Royal Shaheen!

Highlight of our Dubai-Trip

The private Dubai Falconry Safari with Cesar & Rahim was definitely our Dubai highlight this year! Our expectations were completely met from A to Z and we will never forget this unique experience in the desert. The birds are so impressive & you get all informations about them by Cesar. He shares his pation for Falconry and this makes the trip so unique. You'll never come that close to these beautiful creatures as during this private tour. We can recommend Royal Shaheen, Cesar & Rahim for a 100%.

All these 5* Reviews aren't wrong. This is a *must do* while in Dubai

you'll be hard pressed to find a more authentic desert experience than this falcon tour. yeah you can go hot air ballooning or dune bashing and that's cool and all, but here you get to experience a tradition dating back centuries. First, their pre-tour communication is great, answering e-mails promptly with any questions/reconfirmations. The tour itself is nothing short of amazing. Cesar was our guide, whom i can only sum up as vibrant and spirited. For someone who has as much knowledge as he does, at no point does he come off as mundane or droll, just rattling off facts. He is genuinely having fun what he does and he does not come off as a 'tour guide' but rather a friend who's excited to show you his new toys. To go out and see the desert sunrise and see all the animals walking around is something you're not going to get anywhere in the city. The animal experience itself, i mean...where else can you say "oh yeah, i flew an owl (Khaleesi)..no, a real one....oh yeah, here's the pictures. There she is, there i am...yep." Also, another great thing about this tour - we were done at 11AM (we did not do the breakfast.) So that left us the entire afternoon to do other things in the city. needless to say, my wife had a wonderful time and said it was the best non-burj khalifa highlight of the trip. A first class tour from a first class organization, for sure. -adam