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.

The Falcon Souq had to be one of the most architecturally appealing parts of the entire complex. This was a long interior corridor, again with a lot of places to sit and relax.

Another view of the souq architecture: