Most travellers expect to see passports in the hands of people at airports. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), however, some passengers arrive with feathers instead of suitcases. Falcons, which hold a special place in Emirati culture, are issued official passports that allow them to travel across borders.
The unusual practice has attracted global attention, but in the UAE, it is part of a long-standing tradition that combines cultural heritage, wildlife protection and modern travel regulations.
A centuries-old bond with falconry
Falconry has been deeply woven into life in the Arabian Peninsula for generations. Long before the region's transformation into a hub of modern cities and international commerce, Bedouin communities relied on trained falcons to help hunt for food in the desert.
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Over time, the practice evolved into an important cultural tradition. Today, falcons are regarded as symbols of pride, heritage and identity across the UAE and other Gulf nations.
The significance of falconry extends beyond the region. UNESCO has recognised falconry as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging its historical and cultural value.
Why falcons are issued passports
According to NDTV report, to support the legal movement of these prized birds, the UAE introduced a passport system specifically for falcons. The documents help authorities track birds that travel internationally for breeding programmes, competitions, training, exhibitions and veterinary treatment.
The passports contain key identifying information, including the bird's species, sex, unique markings and microchip details. They are issued by the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and are reportedly valid for three years.
Beyond facilitating travel, the passport system also serves an important conservation purpose. It helps verify ownership and allows authorities to distinguish legally owned, captive-bred birds from those that may be linked to illegal wildlife trafficking. This contributes to broader efforts aimed at protecting falcon populations and regulating the trade of birds of prey.
Taking to the skies alongside their handlers
Another aspect that often surprises people is that falcons are permitted to travel in aircraft cabins on certain airlines operating in the Gulf region. Rather than being transported as standard cargo, the birds can accompany their owners under specific airline guidelines.
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Airlines such as Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways allow falcons on board, provided passengers follow the required procedures. The birds typically wear specially designed hoods that help keep them calm during flights.
Images of rows of falcons seated inside passenger cabins have occasionally gone viral online, offering many people around the world a glimpse into a practice that remains a normal part of life for some falcon owners in the region.
A tradition adapted for the modern world
The UAE's falcon passport programme reflects the country's effort to preserve a centuries-old tradition while adapting it to modern regulations and international travel requirements. What may seem unusual elsewhere is viewed in the UAE as a practical way to protect an important cultural legacy while ensuring the welfare and legal movement of these highly valued birds.
