RIYADH: Among the many falconers attending the very first falcons and hunting exhibition currently being held in Riyadh, one young man managed to turn quite a few heads.
In fact, visitors gathered around Ahmed Al-Chahwan, 12, as the young boy held two falcons at a time on his small arms.
A sixth grade student from the Qassim region, Ahmed was born and raised among these birds of prey thanks to his father’s avid hobby.
He himself owns two that he has used for hunting several times and has traveled 400km with his father to take part in this exhibition, which concludes on Saturday.
The exhibition, which kicked off on Wednesday, is “reflective of our cultural identity, which in many ways mirrors the Arabian Peninsula over the centuries,” says Ahmed.
He said the exhibition, which aims to introduce a joint platform through which amateurs and professionals can interact, as well as include other falconers from the Gulf, has witnessed a high turnout thanks to its thorough set-up.
The Kingdom is one of 11 countries on the UNESCO list of falcon-breeding countries and is home to many falcon species, as well as a major passageway for other migrating birds of prey. The exhibition features simulations of hunting trips and wildlife in an attempt to make the experience as close to reality as possible. The various sections of the exhibition are also a simulation of oases featuring hills, highlands, sand dunes and some lakes.
Falcons are considered a vital part of life among Bedouins, who see them as a symbol of bravery and nobility.
Indeed, falconry has allowed Ahmed to persevere well beyond his age. While children his age play video games, he spends his time training the majestic animals, garnering the admiration of fellow falconers who are decades his senior.
His father relies on him to tend to the falcons. He is fully responsible for feeding, handling and housing them, and he often accompanies his father on trips outdoors to train them.
“I decided to take part in the exhibition, which is the first of its kind, the moment I heard about it,” he said.
Ahmed’s father commends his son’s interaction with the falcons and says he is his main partner in all hunting trips. “He still manages to focus on his studies despite this full-time job,” he said.
The pair expressed gratitude for the establishment of the Saudi Falcons Club, which they say was a long-awaited initiative among avid fans.
Young Saudi falconer woos visitors at Riyadh exhibition
Young Saudi falconer woos visitors at Riyadh exhibition
Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport
- A PIF-linked initiative highlights technical and engineering careers behind electric racing events
JEDDAH: Students from local and international schools in Jeddah were introduced to STEM-related career pathways in electric motorsport this week, as part of an education program linked to the UIM E1 World Championship held on the Red Sea.
The sessions formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners, to familiarize students aged eight to 18 with science, technology, engineering and mathematics through electric racing and sustainability-focused industries.
The programme took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access designed to show how engineering, data, broadcast technology and event operations function within professional motorsport.
According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The program took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access.
• Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
• According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
John Williams, managing director at E1, told Arab News: “The PIF is absolutely vital to everything we do here at the E1. They were crucial initial investment partner since the start of the championship and they continue to support us in a number of ways and more specifically around the Driving Force program.”
Elaborating more on the program, he said: “What we are doing is presenting and showing these students the available careers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as careers in sports, not only pilots but also engineers and mechanics.”
Williams added that the main key to the program was bringing a new generation to the mechanism of sport.
“We are introducing to these exciting new technologies around the race but it could be our technology on the boat or our broadcast products, as well as how to manage the event its self. There are a range of opportunities to show it to the children in addition to enjoying the excitement of the race and meeting the pilots.”
The program’s Jeddah activities began at King Abdulaziz University’s faculty of maritime studies, where students took part in a hands-on workshop focused on STEM careers in the motorsport and sustainability areas conducted by technology experts and famous water pilots such as Dani Clos, Emma Kimilainen and Patricia Pita.
Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
They also enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the E1 Jeddah GP, pilot meet-and-greets, and front-row seats to watch the RaceBird boats in action.
