RIYADH: Falcon sales at an exhibition in Riyadh have exceeded SR3 million ($800,000) and are expected to double before the event closes.
The sales were made directly in the exhibitors’ section and at auction of the Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition, which is in its second year.
Falconry enthusiasts from more than 20 countries are attending the show, which is the biggest event of its kind in the Kingdom and the Middle East. Tens of thousands of visitors have already flocked to the exhibition, which runs until Oct. 15.
There are more than 350 exhibitors, and organizers are expecting 150,000 visitors.
The event features training workshops, lectures and children’s activities, as well as art workshops organized in partnership with the Saudi Society of Fine Arts.
Visitors can turn their hand to pottery, transfer technology, mural painting, charcoal painting, oud and coffee painting.
King Saud University is holding three seminars related to the environment and living organisms, including falcons and the findings of recent studies on their care and breeding. The seminars will explore the latest trends for the conservation of falcons in Saudi Arabia, parasites in falcons and how to combat them.
Another aspect of the exhibition is hunting weaponry, with specialist firms selling their products. Visitors need to access the Kingdom’s online government platform, Absher, to obtain an appointment through the booking process.
Exhibition organizers say they have established a design that simulates the experience of hunting trips and wildlife and that the various sections evoke hills, plateaus, sand dunes and lakes. Each area is decorated with species of desert plants and visitors can enjoy a musical soundtrack as they tour the event.
Falcon sales take flight at Riyadh show
Falcon sales take flight at Riyadh show
- Tens of thousands of visitors have already flocked to the exhibition, which runs until Oct. 15
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.
