Pioneering vet founded capital’s Falcon Hospital

Dr Margit Muller recalls her pride in winning the Abu Dhabi Award in 2008 in recognition for her work in setting up the Falcon Hospital of Abu Dhabi.

Veterinarian Dr Margit Muller, director of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, with some of the cats at the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter next to the hospital. Animal adoptions increased by more than 40 per cent at the animal shelter last year. Silvia Razgova / The National
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Abu Dhabi // Dr Margit Muller received the Emirate’s most honourable distinction in 2008 for her role in setting up the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.

The veterinarian arrived in the UAE in 2001 when there was only one small clinic in the country devoted to the national bird.

The German soon became involved and played a role in developing the hospital, which is described as the world’s leading medical institution for falcons.

“The work I do with falcons is fascinating,” she said. “It’s something that comes from the heart, from deep inside you.”

In addition to treating more than 11,500 of the birds, her research in Abu Dhabi led her to discover two diseases that were harming them.

She eventually found a cure for one of those conditions.

Despite her achievements, Dr Muller said she was astounded by the honour and remembered the night vividly.

Knowing that she was the only nominee, she was at the awards ceremony when an official from the organising committee whispered to her that she had won.

Later that night, she accepted her award in front of an audience of dignitaries, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

“This is a memory I will never forget in my life,” said Ms Muller. “It is engraved in my heart forever.”

She became one of 63 individuals to be recognised for their contributions in supporting the community of Abu Dhabi.

“It’s a beautiful recognition. You try to excel and reach out more to the community, to do more and more, and more, and not stop.”

esomoglou@thenational.ae