The Kalba Bird of Prey Centre is an education and conservation centre on Sharjah's east coast, opened in January 2014 by the Ruler of Sharjah as part of the Kalba eco-tourism project. It is run by Sharjah's Environment and Protected Areas Authority.
What to see
The highlight is the live free-flight demonstration: birds of prey fly over the audience and respond to their trainers. The aviaries hold owls, eagles, buzzards, vultures and falcons, including shaheens; you learn about the falcon, the UAE's national bird, and migrants such as the barn owl and the lappet-faced vulture. At opening the centre held 38 species of birds of prey, 14 of them resident. Enclosures and open areas are built to resemble natural habitats.
All year round there are workshops, exhibitions and talks with falconers, school education programmes and a Falcon Day around World Falconry Day.
Getting there
The centre is on the north side of the Sharjah–Kalba road (E102) in Al Ghail, near Al Ghail Fort, a short drive from the Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre and next to the Khor Kalba nature reserve. A car or taxi is easiest, as there is no public transport. Parking is on site.
Planning your visit
According to guides, an adult ticket costs about AED 15 plus VAT with free re-entry within a month, and children under 12 enter free; there is a shop and a café. One to two hours is enough. You can combine it in a day with the Al Hefaiyah centre and the mangrove reserve — tickets are separate.
Before you go
Bring water, a hat and some cash in case cards aren't accepted. The centre is outdoors, so avoid the midday heat in summer. Show times may change, so check ahead.
Al Ghail, Sharjah-Kalba Road (E102), Kalba, Sharjah · 25.000438, 56.324313
