11 Jun
In the United Arab Emirates, extravagance often extends beyond human indulgence and into the animal kingdom. For some of the country’s wealthiest residents, exotic pets are a part of the high life. A recent viral video showcases just how deep that luxury runs, featuring an Emirati man traveling with his falcon, which carries its own international passport.
Shot at Abu Dhabi airport, the video opens with a curious exchange between a traveller and the falcon’s owner. Clad in traditional white attire, the Emirati holds the regal bird on his arm as the traveller asks, “Is it flying (with us)?" Without hesitation, the man replies, “Yeah, of course, it is flying with us on the plane."
Now widely shared on Instagram, the scene highlights a practice that might be unusual elsewhere, but is commonplace in the Gulf. In the UAE, falcons are not only prized cultural symbols but also receive exceptional treatment, including dedicated passports that allow them to fly in cabins of commercial aircraft. While it may seem like excess to some, such displays of devotion to falcons are simply part of the norm in a region where heritage and prestige go hand in hand.
AUTHOR’S BIO
ARSH BHARDWAJ
I am passionate about language, storytelling and the human urge to connect Having paid close attention to marketing and branding as a craft for some time, I'm eager as ever to indulge my passion for prose.