Al-Ain (Abu Dhabi), United Arab Emirates 04 April 2009
A man holds a hunting falcon in desert of Al Ain.
The falcon is used for hunting in Arabia, and is an important part of the Arab heritage and culture.
The UAE reportedly spends over 27 million dollars annually towards the protection and conservation of wild falcons, and has set up several state-of-the-art falcon hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
There are two breeding farms in the Emirates, as well as those in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Every year, falcon beauty contests and demonstrations take place in Abu Dhabi.
Photo: Ezequiel Scagnetti