RIYADH: Falconers are competing in the Al-Mellwah racing qualifiers to advance to the King Abdulaziz Cup, aiming for a spot and a win in the finals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The competitions are part of the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, hosted by the Saudi Falcons Club at its Malham headquarters, north of Riyadh, and running until Dec. 19.
Some falconers bring their children to introduce them to falconry competitions, familiarize them with the racetrack and teach them race preparation, falcon handling at the starting point, and signaling the falcon at the end of the track. They also explain how winners are determined based on the final results.
Participant Turki Al-Otaibi, who inherited a love of falconry from his father and ancestors, is committed to passing down the tradition to his children. He has brought some family members to share the experience and explore the young falconers’ pavilion.
Some falconers bring their children to introduce them to falconry competitions. (SPA)
Omar Al-Otaibi, 16, expressed excitement while at the falcon release stage with his uncle, who began teaching him falconry and hunting three years ago.
He said that his 15-year-old cousin, Abdullah Al-Otaibi, is also on this journey, eager to explore this heritage, deepen his interest in falconry and invest in falcon breeding under their fathers’ guidance.
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival offers prizes totaling more than SR36 million ($9.6 million) for both the Al-Mellwah racing and Mazayen (falcon beauty pageant) competitions, with 138 rounds of competition.
Through attractions such as the young falconers’ pavilion, a falconry history museum and other exhibits, the Saudi Falcons Club aims to promote falconry, preserve breeding and training traditions for future generations, share cultural heritage, celebrate common traditions, attract visitors to experience Saudi culture and ensure the continuity of this cherished hobby.
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival offers prizes totaling more than SR36 million ($9.6 million) for both the Al-Mellwah racing and Mazayen (falcon beauty pageant) competitions, with 138 rounds of competition. (SPA)
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 world to celebrate the cultural heritage of falconry, encourage competition and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
The club’s CEO, Talal Al-Shamaisi, said that the festival’s primary aim was “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.”
