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 was definitely the most popular place in the Falcon Souq, with a constant stream of men with falcons on their arm parading in. I wish I could have gotten a picture of the patients, or even the waiting room, but it simply wasn’t possible.

The hospital was where this man was headed: