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ATTRACTIONS Visitor information
WILDLIFE
WHETHER ITS CAMEL RACING OR WATCHING ARABIAN HORSES GALLOPING MAJESTICALLY AROUND A TRACK, SEEING ABU DHABI'S MOST REVERED ANIMALS IN ACTION MAKES FOR A GREAT GROUP OUTING.
ABU DHABI
FALCON HOSPITAL The falcon is an inextricable part of cultural history and tradition in the Gulf region and for those that want a unique insight into the world of falconry, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the place to go. This bird of prey has been revered throughout the Gulf for centuries and the hospital gives teams a chance to tour the grounds and learn about the history of falconry. For visiting groups, it is an opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent birds of prey. The hospital can arrange group visits, which include a falcon show, where the traditions of falconry are explained. Guided tours include a visit to the hospital museum, displaying the traditional heritage of falconry, and a tour of the hospital wards where falcons are kept as VIPs during their stay.
The culmination of the tour is a magical display of falconry skills, with a Bedouin falconer entertaining the crowds with a unique flight show, in which visitors can participate.
abudhabi 2011
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital also offers the extraordinary opportunity to take pictures with the majestic falcons sitting on the visitor's arm in the beautiful garden, as an unfo- rgettable memory.
On the meetings side, a conference centre has been built that can accommodate up to 160 people. It features audiovisual equipment, Wi-Fi, a projector and CD and DVD players. The conference room can be divided into two separate meeting rooms, with an additional meeting space also available. For something a little more relaxing, guests can take in the beautiful falconry displays throughout the conference centre's museum. There is also an aviary where these magnificent birds can fly freely.
Half-day tour 40 max
Tours take place from Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 2pm. Make sure you book in advance
Arrange a group photo with the falcons
EQUESTRIAN CLUB Abu Dhabi locals have a long and passionate relationship with the stunning Arabian horse. The distinguished lineage of thoroughbred Arabians began when they were chosen to be trained by their Bedouin masters as war horses due to their intelligence and outstanding stamina, while at the same time possessing an undisputed reputation for beauty and gentle demeanour towards people. A visit to the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC) in the Mushrif area of the city, located around 10 minutes from the centre, gives visitors a glimpse of the outstanding role played by horses in the local heritage and sporting culture.
ADEC is a sprawling haven for horses, equestrians of all ages and skill levels, and horse-races. World-class facilities including well-appointed, spacious and air- conditioned barns and a 70-metre equine swimming pool are located at the club.
Horse races are held regularly in Abu Dhabi during the cooler winter season, with the HH President's Cup, the National Day Cup and the Championship Cup among the most popular races each year. Show jumping competitions also form part of ADEC's annual calendar.
Full-day or evening out 10-30
Check in advance for local race timings
Gambling is prohibited, but why not divide the group into teams to cheer on their own horses?
CAMEL CAPERS From riding them to watching them race, camels are a big attraction in the inland garden city of Al Ain. The oasis town boasts the re- gion's only camel milk farm. With 230 camels, Al Ain Dairy produces a variety of camel milk products, including ice cream.
Other than the dairy, camel farms abound in Al Ain, offering visitors the chance to get up close to these magnificent creatures and most DMCs will include a camel ride in trips to the desert. Al Ain also boasts a camel market, best experienced on a Friday when dealers come from across the Gulf to buy and sell racing camels.
Al Ain has a long-standing tradition of camel racing and the main race track is now located in Al Malagit. As much a people- watching experience as anything, the big races attract hundreds of spectators (entry is free), as well as owners tempted by sizeable prize purses. A second camel race track is located in the Al Maqam area, to the east of Abu Dhabi city.
Part of a full-day itinerary 10 Ð 30
Fridays are best for racing and the market
Camels can be temper- amental so only let your team near animals that are used to people
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