ARAR: Exemplifying the enduring bond between Saudis and their ancestral traditions, Amina Al-Anzi, a falconer from the Northern Borders, has chronicled her experience raising and training the iconic birds — a cherished element of the Kingdom’s national heritage — evolving youthful fascination into disciplined expertise grounded in learning, perseverance, and incremental skill-building.

Speaking with the Saudi Press Agency, Al-Anzi said: “My fascination with falcons started years ago during childhood while observing them at festivals. Once I obtained my first bird, I began working with it gradually, one stage at a time.”

Early training phases brought apprehension, she acknowledged, particularly fears of the bird escaping or failing to return, though dedication to systematic training eventually dispelled those anxieties.

Achieving proficiency in falcon handling demanded substantial time and effort, Al-Anzi emphasized, especially mastering “malwah” — or lure-based pursuit training — which ranked among her most formidable challenges in conditioning birds for strikes and managing falcon behavior overall. 

Success requires sustained patience and consistent practice before trust develops between handler and raptor.

Al-Anzi concentrates on “Gyr pure” falcons, birds noted for temperamental difficulty relative to other species. Despite their demanding nature, they have become her preferred companions after she personally supervised their conditioning. 

Her falcon now integrates seamlessly into her daily schedule. She has accumulated considerable knowledge about this pursuit, which she values deeply and intends to advance her capabilities while competing in the forthcoming Falcon Festival in Turaif, helping introduce this heritage to younger generations.