Saudis donate falcons to protect rare breed

Through the “Hadad” program, the Saudi Falcons Club aims to make falconry sustainable. (SPA)
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Updated 13 November 2020
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Saudis donate falcons to protect rare breed

RIYADH: A Saudi citizen and his son have donated a group of falcons to the “Hadad” program to return them to their natural habitats.
Falconer Faleh Al-Oudwani and his son Nasser said that they provided the falcons to donate to the program to ensure that the birds bred, contributing to protecting the future of the species, safeguarding their environment and the ecological balance.
Nasser confirmed that he would donate 10 of his falcons to the program. He commended the initiative and its strategic goals, as he managed to acquire more than 20 falcons with a value of approximately SR1.5 million ($400,000), and said that donating his falcons would help ensure falconry’s sustainability and transmission to future generations.
Through the “Hadad” program, the Saudi Falcons Club aims to make falconry sustainable and to release Shaheen (Peregrine) falcons into the wild habitat, to preserve the rare breed and strengthen the Kingdom’s pioneering role in protecting the environment and wildlife.


Minzal returns to celebrate heritage of historic Diriyah

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Minzal returns to celebrate heritage of historic Diriyah

RIYADH: The Minzal program, part of this year’s Diriyah Season, celebrates the rich natural and cultural heritage of historic Diriyah, where history meets nature.

Overlooking Wadi Safar, the largest tributary of Wadi Hanifah, the program offers an experience inspired by traditional life and authentic Saudi hospitality.

Open daily from 5 p.m. until midnight, Minzal showcases Diriyah’s traditions through heritage storytelling, scenic views, poetry and traditional cuisine, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Running until Feb. 14, the event features horseback riding, falconry, archery, astronomy, and a selection of international restaurants, cafes and retail outlets.

Spread across four main zones highlighting Diriyah’s historical and cultural significance, visitors can enjoy the “Al-Uloom” experience for leather-working, carpet-weaving and wood-working, and the “Sloom” experience for Saudi coffee, desert plants, fire-lighting, camel-milking and tent-making.

The “Faris Al-Badiyah” experience offers horse-riding and archery, while the “Falconry” experience teaches the art of hunting with Arabian falcons.

The “Al-Mushrif” zone provides stargazing under Diriyah’s clear skies, creating a serene atmosphere amid the natural surroundings.

Diriyah Season serves as a global destination for history enthusiasts, offering journeys through heritage sites that once formed the political and cultural center of the region, the SPA reported.

The program combines Najdi authenticity with innovative designs and international standards, reflecting the values and vision of historic Diriyah alongside the Kingdom’s modern development.