Abu Dhabi is now home to the region’s only owl café.
Boomah Café is home to nine owls that you can learn about and hold when buying a ticket for Dhs70, under the supervision of trainers that care for the birds of prey.
Café owner Mohamed Al Shehhi told Time Out that “the wellbeing of the owls comes as the top priority for the café”.
“Boomah opens daily at 2pm to allow the owls enough rest all night and all morning, and while closing, they are released to move around freely.
“Some of the owls at Boomah can never live in the wild, let’s take Venus (the Tawny Owl), for example. She hatched with one wing being shorter than the other, disabling her from flying at high altitudes or for long distances.
“While being cared for by Boomah team, Venus is now a healthy eight-year-old owl living happily despite the disability.
“The idea is inspired by the Japanese owl cafés, but we enhanced the idea in a way that would satisfy the Middle Eastern society.
Boomah has two entrances with two rooms separated with a glass barrier, each with its own AC and its air exhaust system to make sure it meets food safety standards.
Even if you don’t want to interact with the birds you can sit and admire the animals as you enjoy a drink.
Open daily 2pm-10pm. Al Seef Village Mall, Khalifa Park area (02 441 9041).
