The word falconry conjures up images of times long gone, times when people had more patience, when they would, over many hours and weeks, calm and train a majestic wild creature.

While falconry continues in much of the world, it remains very much a niche sport. Except in one area - the Middle East. At a time when countries like Qatar and Dubai are experiencing a dislocation from the past, a furious development that is changing their world and wealth that their grandparents could never have dreamed of, falconry remains a valuable link to the past.

Falconry has had its negative sides, however. The houbara, considered the king of prey by many falconers, has been hunted to almost non-existence in the Gulf. As a result, many falconers now travel abroad to hunt, purchasing permits to hunt in places like Pakistan. Falcons themselves have also been illegally trapped.

As a result of this, falconers have become conservationists. Falcon passports have been introduced in the Gulf to try and stop illegal trading, and goverments are increasingly trying to encourage the use of birds bred in captivity. In addition, houbara breeding projects have been set up, with the hope of eventually repopulating the Gulf with these fast flying creatures.