Saudi Arabia’s heritage, wildlife take spotlight at falcon festival
Saudi Arabia’s heritage, wildlife take spotlight at falcon festival/node/2631305/saudi-arabia
Saudi Arabia’s heritage, wildlife take spotlight at falcon festival
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A centerpiece of the exhibition is the ancient craft of Sadu, with local artisans showcasing traditional weaving that reflects the reserve’s cultural identity. (SPA)
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A centerpiece of the exhibition is the ancient craft of Sadu, with local artisans showcasing traditional weaving that reflects the reserve’s cultural identity. (SPA)
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A centerpiece of the exhibition is the ancient craft of Sadu, with local artisans showcasing traditional weaving that reflects the reserve’s cultural identity. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s heritage, wildlife take spotlight at falcon festival
Visitors can explore interactive displays on habitat protection and the ecological importance of falcons, blending modern technology with authentic Saudi traditions to promote environmental stewardship
Updated 31 January 2026
SPA
RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority is taking part in the 10th Northern Borders Falcon Festival, held in Turaif governorate from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, celebrating cultural heritage and promoting environmental conservation.
A centerpiece of the exhibition is the ancient craft of Sadu, with local artisans showcasing traditional weaving that reflects the reserve’s cultural identity, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
By empowering families in the cottage industry, the authority aims to preserve this living legacy as a vital part of national heritage, the SPA added.
The pavilion also highlights the authority’s ecological achievements, including the reintroduction of the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, ibex and houbara bustard.
Visitors can explore interactive displays on habitat protection and the ecological importance of falcons, blending modern technology with authentic Saudi traditions to promote environmental stewardship.
In collaboration with the Saudi Falcons Club, the festival features more than 700 participants, including professional, elite and international falcon owners, as well as local amateurs. The competition spans 18 rounds, with total financial prizes exceeding SR1 million ($266,000).
Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do
Updated 15 February 2026
Arab News
DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.
This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. (Supplied)
The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.
FASTFACTS
• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”
Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema.
“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.
By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.
