No rest for these royals! Prince Charles and Camilla get dressed up for a VERY glamorous event at the historic Al Jahili Fort after a busy day of engagements in Abu Dhabi 

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Prince Charles spent the day cruising around a private island and Camilla visited a falcon hospital - but the duo still appeared to be full of energy as they attended a glittering event on in Abu Dhabi Monday night.

The royal couple donned their gladrags as they attended an event at the historic Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain to launch the U.K. U.A.E. Year of Culture for which the Prince of Wales is patron. 

Prince Charles, who looked dapper in a suit, and the Duchess of Cornwall watched an Ayala performance (traditional folk dance performed at big events known as the stick dance) and met a number of Emirati and UK delegates upon arrival.

Night on the town! Despite their hectic schedule Prince Charles and Camilla appeared to be full of energy as they attended a glittering event on in Abu Dhabi Monday night

Charles and Camilla, wearing a beautifully embroidered flowing white tunic and trousers by Anna Valentine, also sat entranced by a performance by students from the Centre for Musical Arts along with a duo from the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Afterwards they attended a lavish dinner of delicately spiced lamb, chicken and rice.

They then watched a short film celebrating the launch of the year of culture, followed by a speech from His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the UAE's Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, to officially launch the year.

The couple spent the rest of the evening chatting to their hosts whilst taking in the stunning sights of the fort.

The Duchess of Cornwall stunned in an ivory coloured ensemble with gold embroidery detailing as she arrived  at the historic Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain

The royal couple attended the glittering event today to launch the U.K. U.A.E. Year of Culture which starts in 2017

Charles also presented facsimiles of a Qur’an manuscript held by the University of Birmingham, which has been placed among the oldest in the world, to the Crown Prince. 

Next year is the U.K.-U.A.E Year of Culture. The British Council, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the British Embassy and Emirati partners will be among those working together to create a diverse programme of activities which will take place in the U.K and the U.A.E featuring events in the arts, education, society, sport, science and trade. The aim of the Year of Culture is to strengthen the existing relationship between the U.K. and U.A.E.  

Charles and Camilla, wearing a beautifully embroidered flowing white tunic and trousers by Anna Valentine, also sat entranced by a performance by students from the Centre for Musical Arts along with a duo from the BBC Symphony Orchestra

The couple spent the rest of the evening chatting to their hosts whilst taking in the stunning sights of the fort

The Prince of Wales seemed to be in hysterics as he chatted with his host while Camilla seemed to enjoy a more serious chat with her neighbour 

The couple enjoyed a dinner of chicken and rice as they watched the performances this evening 

Commenting on the visit Her Majesty’s Ambassador to UAE, Mr Philip Parham, said: 'We are delighted that Their Royal Highnesses will make this exciting visit to three of the UAE’s seven Emirates. The relationship between the UK and UAE is historic and modern, deep and broad, sound and creative. 

'And the programme for this visit reflects that - with engagements ranging from a celebration of our historic ties at the Jahili Fort in Al Ain to a Youth Circle in Masdar City, where HRH The Prince of Wales is a Patron of the Masdar Institute for Science and Technology.'

The Duchess made an elegant entrance this evening armed with a clutch bag and a matching ivory coloured pashmina 

The couple also sat entranced by a performance by students from the Centre for Musical Arts along with a duo from the BBC Symphony Orchestra

Earlier today the Duchess found herself in a bit of a flap as she visited Abu Dhabi's world class Falconry Hospital.

Resplendent in a vibrant green overcoat and scarf, which she offset with wedges and white trousers, the Duchess looked radiant as she arrived at the hospital.

Camilla admitted she was absolutely terrified of the beautiful birds of prey and couldn't be persuaded to hold one - but did nervously allow a tiny owl called Baby to hop onto her hand.

Camilla put her fear of birds behind her and held a tiny owl at an animal hospital in Abu Dhabi on Monday. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the world’s largest avian hospital and the leading centre for falcon medicine. Around 9,000 birds are treated at the hospital a year

Camilla admitted she was absolutely terrified of the beautiful birds of prey and couldn't be persuaded to hold one - but did nervously allow a tiny owl called Baby to hop onto her hand

When told that a female falcon - the larger of the species - could kill animals up to fives times their body weight, such as gazelles, by severing their spinal cord she exclaimed: 'Good Lord!' and looked even more terrified

The royal, who is with her husband, Prince Charles, on an official tour of the United Arab Emirates, looked nervously at the birds and remarked: 'They're rather large, aren't they. I think I had better stick with the children!'

And when told that a female falcon - the larger of the species - could kill animals up to fives times their body weight, such as gazelles, by severing their spinal cord she exclaimed: 'Good Lord!' and looked even more terrified.

The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the world’s largest avian hospital and the leading centre for falcon medicine. Around 9,000 birds are treated at the hospital a year.

The hospital has an intensive care unit, quarantine centres and air-conditioned rooms for the animals to rest.

Falcons are a huge part of Bedouin culture and although they are not used for day-to-day hunting any more, are still hugely revered.

It is estimated that more than 11,000 are owned in Abu Dhabi alone, with some of the most expensive ones costing more than £100,000.

The Duchess of Cornwall looked a little hesitant as she met a few of the birds in the sanctuary 

Camilla met a group of children who have been learning about the different aspects of Bedouin culture

Resplendent in a vibrant green overcoat and scarf, which she offset with wedges and white trousers, the Duchess looked radiant as she arrived at the hospital

The smiling Duchess accessorised her outfit with turquoise chandellier earrings and a red poppy during her visit to the falcon hospital whilst her husband paid a visit to a nature reserve 

Camilla got stuck in during her visit to the Falcon Hospital as she helped care for a sick bird that was being operated on 

Camilla gave the vet a helping hand as they examined a sick falcon during her visit to the animal hospital 

The hospital treats birds with a variety of injures such as broken wings or legs and bacterial infections.

'They really are a deep rooted part of our culture and heritage here and cuts across all social strata. They will often live with the family like a child,' explained executive director Dr Margrit Muller.

'Well I am glad to hear the female of the species is the most powerful,' said Camilla with a wink.

In the veterinary room the duchess looked on slightly tremulously as a gyr falcon was given a 'pedicure' under anaesthetic.

'Err, it is asleep isn't it?' She asked.

But she did bravely agree to stroke the snowy white bird and conceded: 'It is surprisingly soft.'

Caring Camilla listened avidly as the team told her all about the bird hospital and how they help to save their lives 

A cheerful Camilla smiled as she met plenty of falcons during her visit to the hospital 

In 1999, the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency created a programme to increase the wild falcon by population. Since then, more than 1,300 falcons have been released into their original habitats in Pakistan, Iran and Kazakhstan

There was just enough time to make friends with Baby, a tiny three-year-old burrowing owl before she was onto her next engagement.

Later Camilla enjoyed a women's power lunch with a group of high powered Emirati women - including the country's first female fighter pilot.

Sitting down to chat to the women, Camilla recalled her barefoot visit to the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque the previous day. 'I can't tell you what a joy it was not to wear shoes for an hour and walk on that marble,' she said.

She also chatted to Major Staff Fighter Pilot Mariam Almansoori, the first woman to fly fighter planes in the UAE airforce.

The 38-year-old has clocked up more than 1,000 hours in a F16 Block 60 and is a well known figure in her country.

Wearing brilliant purple lipstick with her black Shayla headcovering, Camilla listened fascinated as she told how how she had always dreamed of flying and joined the Air Force as soon as it opened its doors to women in 2006.

'I can't quite believe I am talking to a woman fighter pilot when I am so scared of aeroplanes', she said.

The Duchess added: ' Looks like there is a lot of diversity in this room. I'm feeling a little inferior. '

Miss Almansoori said afterwards: 'There is no barrier to women in the UAE. The doors are already open to you when you are ready for them. '

Around 9,000 birds are treated at the hospital, which has an intensive care unit and air-conditioned rooms, each year

After her visit to the hospital, which is working to release certain types of falcons back into their natural wild habitat, Camilla met with children who were studying culture 

He may be used to travelling in a Range Rover but Prince Charles looked right at home as he was driven through a private island by dune buggy on Monday.

The royal was in his element as he visited Bu Tinah Island, at the center of the UNESCO Marawah Protected Marine Area on the Persian Gulf, on Monday.

The royal, who was dressed casually in a cream linen suit, looked through a telescope during his visit to the area, which is about 105 miles west of Abu Dhabi. 

Prince Charles sits in front of a dune buggy as he visits Bu Tinah Island, at the center of the UNESCO Marawah Protected Marine Area on the Persian Gulf

Bu Tinah Island is a tiny archipelago that's protected as a private nature reserve. Bu Tinah is a protected sanctuary home to endangered species such as the dugong and hawksbill turtle. 

Rich in biodiversity, it was recognised as a UNESCO site in 2001 so is closed to visitors and fishermen. 

In sweltering heat, the prince - still wearing a lightweight cream suit and tie - saw first hand how the positive impact of conservation work in the region

Charles, who arrived by helicopter on the tiny island of Bu Tinah, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, then hopped into the open buggy for a race along the white standard coastline.

On the way he was treated to amazing sights of rare bird species such as ospreys and Socotra Cormorants.

Afterwards went on a boat tour of the surrounding waters of the island to see turtles, dugongs (rare sea elephants) stingrays and dolphins.

He was clearly gripped as Turtles and stingrays swam within feet of his boat.

Prince Charles visited Bu Tinah island, a UNESCO protected marine area, where he saw a variety of birds including Socotra Cormorants and a turtle

Charles then boarded a boat for a tour of the surrounding waters of the island to view turtles, dugongs and dolphins

Bu Tinah Island is a tiny archipelago that's protected as a private nature reserve. Bu Tinah is a protected sanctuary home to endangered species such as the dugong and hawksbill turtle

The Marawah Marine Protected area is the largest of its kind in the Arabian Gulf.

Bu Tinah Island is home to important marine and coastal ecosystems including sea grass breeds, coral reefs and shallow waters.

The island hosts rare and globally endangered marine life including hawksbill turtles and the second largest population of dugongs, a large marine mammal that is globally threatened.  

It hosts rare and globally endangered marine life including hawksbill turtles and the second largest population of dugongs, which are globally threatened.  

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were hoping for some animal magic today as they continued their tour of the Middle East on behalf of the British Government

Charles also watched as a ranger opened an Oyster to reveal a pearl with Dr Shakha Salem al Dhahen, Director of Marine Biodiversity

Charles, who is an avid nature fan, seemed to be enthralled by his trip to the private island on Monday 

Prince Charles looks through a telescope as he visits Bu Tinah Island, at the center of the UNESCO Marawah Protected Marine Area on the Persian Gulf, about 105 miles, (170 km) west of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Bu Tinah is a protected sanctuary home to endangered species such as the dugong and hawksbill turtle

Prince Charles shakes hands with rangers after he arrives at the Bu Tinah Island, at the center of the UNESCO Marawah Protected Marine Area

Prince Charles reacts after he signs on the screen during his visit to Masdar City in Abu Dhabi

Britain's Prince Charles receives a Sustainability Award during the Chief Financial Officers meeting of region in Abu Dhabi

The Prince of Wales is given an award at the Accounting for Sustainability conference by Badr Jafar

Prince Charles takes part in a Youth Circle focusing on youth empowerment during his visit to Masdar City

Charles will later visit Masdar City and take a driverless electric car to the Masdar Institute for Science and Technology, where he will view a model of the city and sign an electronic visitors book.

Masdar is a regional centre for innovation and research dedicated to clean and alternative energy, combining technology with the planning for principles of traditional Arab settlements.

Charles will then join finance leaders to address sustainability challenges, while his wife joins high level Emirati women to hear about the United Arab Emirates' work on women's empowerment.

For the final engagement of the day, Charles and Camilla will attend a cultural event at the historic Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain to launch the UK-UAE Year of Culture. 

On Sunday, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visited the spectacular Sheikh Zaved Grand Mosque to promote religious tolerance.

Charles and Camilla first visited the mosque, in Abu Dhabi, in 2007 when it was still being built.

They returned as part of their tour to the Middle East on behalf of the British Government, having left Oman earlier on Sunday. 

The Prince of Wales speaks at the Accounting for Sustainability conference at the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi

Charles was dressed in a linen suit and striped tie, while Camilla wore a blue headscarf, long jacket and trousers.

Visitors to the mosque must remove their footwear, and Charles walked round in black socks while his wife went barefoot.

The couple toured the mosque, which has stunning chandeliers and a wall featuring the 99 names of God in traditional calligraphy, before learning about its architecture.

The carpet in the main hall of the mosque, which took 11 years to build, is considered to be one of the largest in the world.

The Duchess of Cornwall removed her shoes while her husband kept on his black loafers on a visit to the Sheikh Zaved Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on Sunday

The Duchess engaged in an animated conversation with clerics at the Sheikh Zaved Grand Mosque

Camilla slipped out of her beige suede wedges in accordance with religious regulations as she visited the mosque 

Prince Charles looked a little unsure of the spread being offered as his wife chatted to Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi

A laughing Prince Charles chats with Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed after arriving in Abu Dhabi

The Duchess covered her hair with a delicate blue headscarf 

The Duchess puts her best foot forward during her second visit to the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi 

Following the tour, Charles and Camilla attended a reception for guests of different faiths and nationalities.

Bishop Paul Hinder, of the Roman Catholic Church, spoke with Charles at the mosque.

'For me, the visit is about recognition,' he said.

'The prince was able to speak to us and see the mutual tolerance which is reality in this country.

On arrival at the mosque, Camilla was wearing a pair of camel suede shoes with a low wedge heel 

'It doesn't happen all over the world that we can meet in such a place in such a formation. Living and seeing this reality has an impact.'

The mosque was established in 2008 and sits at the entrance to Abu Dhabi City Island.

It aims to work with research centres and religious, educational and cultural institutions within the United Arab Emirates and across the world.

The royal pair looked delighted to be visiting the landmark,which was established in 2008 and sits at the entrance to Abu Dhabi City Island

The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince of Wales were shown around the spectacular religious site, which was erected eight years ago 

Prince Charles was dressed in a linen suit and striped tie, while Camilla wore a blue headscarf, long jacket and trousers

Charles and Camilla were shown around the mosque by Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, who was appointed as the new minister of state for tolerance in February.

The UAE is home to more than 200 nationalities, a large majority of whom are Commonwealth citizens.

Kim Debenham, deputy head of mission at the Australian embassy, said: 'It was my first opportunity to meet anyone from the British royal family so it was quite special.

'Prince Charles said he had visited Abu Dhabi before but the last time he was at the mosque it was a construction site.

Camilla Duchess of Cornwall attended a religious tolerance event at the Sheikh Zaved Grand Mosque, her first engagement on the Abu Dhabi leg of her royal tour of the Middle East 

It was the royals' second visit to the mosque, which they first saw back in 2007, prior to its completion

Prince Charles descends the airplane staircase ahead of his wife Camilla as they arrive into Abu Dhabi Airport

The royal shares a joke with Foreign Minister Abdullah Bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi 

'We spoke about the different commonwealth communities here in Abu Dhabi and that they are growing all the time.'

Earlier today Camilla showed off her nurturing side as she joined children for story-time to promote literacy initiatives.

In keeping with tradition, Camilla wore a long-sleeved dishdasha dress in mint green and white sarwal trousers, although she did not cover her head. 

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall talks to children during a book reading outside Dar Al Atta Bookshop on the third day of a Royal tour of Oman

This little boy was so focused on his jigsaw puzzle that he only had time for a half-hearted handshake with the royal visitor 

Camilla visits Maktabat Oman's first mobile library while promoting literacy initiatives 

The first stop was the Dar Al Attaa 'Let's Read' initiative which encourages young Omani readers to pick up a book in its charity book shop.

Camilla say on the ground and made herself comfortable as she chatted to children during a reading outside the bookshop.  

She also visited Oman's first Children's public Library and met young children who won a local writing competition. Their stories have now been published in their own book. 

At the library, she examined students' work and helped young people complete jigsaws.  

The grandmother-of-two, who is also step grandmother to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, looked very much at ease as she chatted to youngsters 

A young boy gives a reading for the royal visitor during her visit to Oman's first Children's public library

Helping hand! The Duchess gives her guidance to a young girl as she completes a jigsaw puzzle

No help needed! The youngster manages to successfully complete the jigaw puzzle 

Prince Charles and Camilla are on a Royal tour of the Middle East starting with Oman, then the UAE and finally Bahrain. 

Camilla carried out her engagements solo this morning while her husband was otherwise engaged. 

Charles was set to join a reception for Young Leaders in Oman before meeting the Crossing The Empty Quarter Expedition.

Camilla talks to children during a book reading outside Dar Al Atta Bookshop during the third day of her royal tour of the Middle East 

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall chats the librarian, Hatim Al Mamari, on Maktabat Oman's first mobile library

Young students proudly show off their work for Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall 

Camilla learns more about literacy initiatives at the Dar Al Atta Bookshop on the third day of a Royal tour of Oman

He spoke with Mark Evans, Mohammed Al-Zadjali and Amour Al-Wadibi, who recreated the 1931 journey of British explorer Bertram Thomas earlier this year.

Prince Charles then viewed images from the recent expedition across the Empty Quarter and a copy of the map from the original journey - which was the first crossing of the biggest sand desert on earth.

The royal couple departed Oman for Abu Dhabi, where they were met on arrival by the minister of foreign Affairs and international cooperation and HM ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Camilla sits on a table with young childrento inspect their artwork as she visits Oman's first Children's public library

The Duchess looked elegant in a neutral colour palette and carried a floral print clutch 

A delighted Duchess was all smiles as she chatted to children about their artwork 

Showing her nurturing side: Camilla looked very much at ease as she chatted to young people while visiting literacy initiatives 

Charles took a salute from the guard of honour before the couple attended the religious tolerance event at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

After touring the mosque including a brief photography exhibition and visiting the main hall to learn about the architecture they joined a reception to meet guests from different faiths and nationalities.

The event was hosted by the United Arab Emirates minister of state for tolerance Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi.