Riyadh: The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival is currently taking place at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. The festival runs until Dec. 19.

This year’s event “marks a significant milestone with the participation of various companies and commercial institutions, broadening the event’s scope beyond individual falconers,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The club’s spokesperson, Waleed Al-Taweel, highlighted the club’s strategic focus on attracting investment for the falconry sector and explained that by preserving the heritage of falconry and promoting its environmental, cultural, and economic value, the club aims to contribute to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030 by strengthening the nation’s cultural identity.

The festival provides a platform for Saudi and international falconers to showcase their skills and compete across various categories with the aim of qualifying for the prestigious King’s Sword rounds and winning substantial prizes totaling more than SR36 million ($9.6 million).

The festival will also host a falcon beauty pageant, celebrating “the magnificence of these birds,” the SPA reported.

Meanwhile, a talented falconer with physical disabilities, Musaed Al-Rashidi, is making a remarkable impact at the festival.

“Al-Rashidi’s interest in falconry began 18 years ago when he learned the intricacies of the craft from his friends. Over time, his love for the sport deepened, and he became an accomplished falconer,” the SPA wrote.

This year’s festival marks his debut, proudly representing Hafar Al-Batin governorate.

Al-Rashidi reportedly praised the exceptional organization of the festival and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and excellent facilities provided by the club, as well as its “unwavering support for preserving the heritage of falconry.”

The festival is a three-time Guinness World Record holder for hosting the world’s largest gathering of falcons. It brings together top falconers from around the globe to celebrate the cultural heritage of falconry, encourage competition, and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

The club’s CEO, Talal Al-Shamaisi, stated that the festival’s primary aim is “to advance falconry as a cultural hobby while preserving and promoting this Arab tradition.”

He said that the club hopes to position falconry as a “major heritage tourism attraction, fostering national pride and engaging younger generations in a competitive yet spirited environment.”