After some searching, we found the Falcon Souq, which was a unique kind of place to visit. There were many stores selling falcons, but not particularly picturesque – usually rows of “steps” with falcons with hoods on their heads, waiting for somebody to buy them. I understand the hoods keep them calm, but still couldn’t help but feeling sorry for the birds. Occasionally we’d come across one without a hood, apparently a well-behaved bird. We did see a few men shopping for a falcon, and many with birds on their arms heading for the falcon hospital on the premises.

This group of boys was shopping for a falcon, and one has a bird on his arm, although it’s not too clear in this image as I think I was focused on the falcon in the foreground.