ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s King Abdul Aziz Falconry festival brought further glory to the Kingdom by clinching a place in the Guinness World Records (GRW) in the largest falcon racing tournament category, according to a statement released by GRW on February 5.
The event, which was held in Riyadh from January 25 to February 3, saw the participation of a record 1,723 falcons who were competing in the tournament for 10 days, the Saudi Falconry Club said in a twitter post.
Guinness World Records’ (GWR) representative, Shida Subasi Jamissi presented the official certificate to Saudi Falcons Club executive director Hossam bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Hazimi in Malham, north of Riyadh, read the statement.
Hunting with falcons is an ancient Arab cultural heritage. The mega event was the biggest of its kind drawing thousands of enthusiasts not only from Saudi Arabia and the region, but from the rest of the world as well.
Bagging a prize money of almost SAR18 million, the event has been marked as the largest of its kind on record.
Saudi Arabia is among top 11 countries listed by UNESCO under its falcon-breeding category, especially since it is home to various types of local falcons and serves as a pathway for others that migrate across the country.
The club had hosted it’s first Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition in Riyadh last year, where more than 250 exhibitors had participated from around the Kingdom, the GCC and the rest of the world.
Saudi falconry festival adds another feather to its cap with new world record
Saudi falconry festival adds another feather to its cap with new world record
- Takes home prestigious Guinness title by winning in the category this year
- Saw the participation of 1,723 birds in the largest racing tournament of its kind
GCC secretary general receives China’s special envoy to Middle East
- Jun praised the GCC states’ prudent domestic, regional, and international policies, which have established the council as a reliable and important partner for China
RIYADH: Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi received China’s special envoy for the Middle East Issue, Zhai Jun, at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, Al-Budaiwi expressed appreciation for China’s condemnation of Iranian attacks on GCC states and for Beijing’s efforts with all parties to halt the conflict and end the escalation, according to a General Secretariat statement.
Jun praised the GCC states’ prudent domestic, regional, and international policies, which have established the council as a reliable and important partner for China. He added that the GCC’s commitment to restraint during the crisis reflects these policies.
The meeting also reviewed preparations for the upcoming China-GCC summit later this year and discussed progress in negotiations toward a free trade agreement between the two sides.
