King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival Launches Today With Record SAR 36 Million Prize Pool

The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, hosted by the Saudi Falcons Club, has commenced at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. The event will continue until December 19. This year's festival boasts a prize pool exceeding SAR36 million, marking the largest in its history. Falconers from Saudi Arabia and beyond are drawn to this prestigious event.

Participants will engage in 138 rounds of competition across two main categories: Al-Mellwah (falcon racing) and Mazayen (falcon beauty pageant). The schedule includes 49 qualifying heats for local falconers, six rounds for internationally bred falcons, a round for young falconers, and 73 heats for the King Abdulaziz Cups and King’s Sword. These competitions are open to both local and international participants.

This year introduces a new dimension with the inaugural women's Al-Mellwah race on December 13. Women will have the opportunity to showcase their skills by releasing trained falcons to vie for top honors. This addition marks a significant step towards inclusivity in the sport.

The Saudi Falcons Club has outlined registration periods for participants. Local falconers registered between November 28 and 30, while international entrants can register from December 4 to 9. Registrations for the Mazayen competition are scheduled from December 7 to 13.

The festival is recognized as the largest global gathering of falcons, having secured three Guinness World Records for participation numbers. It serves as a platform to unite elite falconers, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure the sustainability of this traditional Arab practice for future generations.

Beyond competitions, the festival offers various activities designed to educate and engage younger generations in falconry. Visitors can explore interactive experiences that blend authenticity with adventure. Dedicated pavilions display falconry gear, hunting equipment, and trip essentials.

Saudi Vision 2030 Alignment

The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival underscores Saudi Arabia's dedication to preserving cultural traditions while fostering national pride. It advances falconry as a globally recognized heritage sport aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

This event not only celebrates tradition but also promotes cultural exchange among participants from different regions. By doing so, it strengthens ties within the global falconry community while highlighting Saudi Arabia's rich heritage.

With inputs from SPA