Falconry, deeply entrenched in Arab culture for millennia, has not only fostered a profound connection with birds of prey but has also inspired the development of some of our cultural heritage projects.
Rooted in the visionary passion of leaders like the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose commitment to environmental sustainability was unparalleled, initiatives such as the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Wing in Boise and the His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Museum of International Falconry stand as testaments to the enduring legacy of falconry. These projects not only celebrate the rich history and tradition of falconry but also serve as platforms for education and conservation, ensuring that the cultural heritage of traditional Arabian falconry continues to thrive for generations to come.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Museum of International Falconry
Brussels, Belgium
The His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Museum of International Falconry is dedicated to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of international falconry.
Our vision is to create a space where visitors can immerse themselves in the history, traditions, and natural science of this ancient practice.
Our mission is to showcase the beauty and complexity of falconry through immersive exhibits and engaging educational programs. We strive to foster a deeper appreciation of this UNESCO-recognized heritage and its contributions to global cultural diversity.
Through the museum collections, research, and outreach, we aim to promote conservation efforts and sustainable practices in falconry and related fields.
We believe that by sharing our passion for falconry with the world, we can inspire a greater understanding and appreciation for the natural world and the cultures that shape it.
This museum is an initiative of the United Arab Emirates under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, organised by the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund in collaboration with the International Association for Falconry, both of which played an important role in obtaining the UNESCO recognition.
The museum is completed and the official opening will be scheduled towards the end of 2023.
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Wing
Boise, Idaho United States
Following the long-standing friendship between The Peregrine Fund and The Archives of Falconry in Boise, Idaho and Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Wing was established in honour of the late Sheikh Zayed in 2006.

In 2020, the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund commissioned an update of the exhibition at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Wing.
The exhibition introduces visitors at The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, Idaho, to the legacy that the Arabian Peninsula has given the tradition of falconry as well as the United Arab Emirates current falconry conservation and heritage initiatives.
Sheikh Zayed believed falconers across all cultures share a natural kinship and heritage. The exhibition entitled ‘One World, One Spirit, One Heritage: Falconry and the Arabian Peninsula’ honours and shares this important message.
This project consists of a review and update of the exhibition at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Wing at the Archives of Falconry, Boise, Idaho as most material was outdated (initially created in 2006) and made the following improvements:
- Reviewed and updated graphics, content, objects and texts.
- Improved overall flow for visitors throughout the exhibition narrative.
- Added technology-based mediation tools (such as interactive multimedia and audiovisual screens) to upgrade the exhibition in line with industry trends and facilitated the ease of future content updates.
- Improved the welcome experience with a redesign and new interpretation content for introduction to the United Arab Emirates and the vision of Sheikh
- Added new content that included our conservation projects and the Middle East Falconry Archives (MEFA).