It was a signboard bearing the name of 'Sheikh Zayed' and a picture of falcon in Abu Dhabi desert that changed the life of this Indian.
In the summer of 1992, Zubair Medammal, second in a family of eight children, landed in the UAE searching for a job. It was a chancy travel from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain for an interview. As the vehicle he was travelling passed through Al Khaznah, he jumped out of it.
"I saw the signboard saying: 'Sheikh Zayed Falcon Research Hospital' with a picture of falcon. I had a degree in zoology, post-graduation in wildlife biology and a bachelor of education in natural science. I always wondered about the job I would end up doing in the Gulf. Seeing the signboard, my inner voice told me this was my path to follow. I travelled long kilometres in sand but didn't get lost. It was as if Sheikh Zayed was guiding me to the falcon hospital he had established. I reached the hospital and felt an instant connection with this wonderful bird. I begged for a job as sweeper or helper to clean the falcon cages but the German doctor there just shooed me away with utmost disregard."
Sweet revenge
It was, however, an incident that transformed his life. Medammal dedicated his life to do research on falcons and falconry.
"I was in tears then but am thankful to the German as I decided to study about falcons. I took loans, spent all my savings and studied falcon breeding at a university in Stuttgart, Germany. It was my sweet revenge to train in Germany," Medammal said referring to the German doctor who drove him away.
"I am researching about falcons for more than 22 years now. I hold a PhD in the study of falcons from University of Calicut. I am the first and only Indian to obtain a doctorate. I am the only non-Arab member at the Emirates Falconers Club in Abu Dhabi. I am associated with Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital."
And for past few years he is working as an assistant professor in the department of zoology at the University of Calicut.
"Whenever possible, I take leave from the university and land here for research. I always attend International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. There is no place to learn more about falcons that in the land of Baba Zayed. It was because of the Late Sheikh Zayed that falcons become the UAE symbol of pride and courage. The UAE leaders have given great importance to its ancient tradition."
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