The 9th edition of the Qassim Falconry Festival: Competitions and prizes worth 135,000 riyals
The Qassim region continues to solidify its position as a prominent destination for lovers of heritage and authenticity, as of the Qassim Falconry Festival a large public turnout and fierce competition in Al-Asyah Governorate. The events are taking place at the Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal Falconry Field, with meticulous organization and fruitful cooperation with the Arabian Peninsula Falcons Association, reflecting the growing interest in this ancient sport, which is closely linked to the history and culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Competition details and prize money
This year's festival is characterized by its high level of organization and fierce competition among falconers. The competitions were divided into three main categories to ensure fairness and professionalism: the "Mixed" category, the "Peregrine" category, and the "Saker" category. In recognition of the participants' efforts and to encourage this sport, the organizing committee allocated generous cash prizes totaling 135,000 Saudi Riyals, distributed as follows:
- First place in each category: 20,000 riyals.
- Second place in each category: 15,000 riyals.
- Third place in each category: 10,000 riyals.
Notable Arab presence and broad participation
The festival wasn't limited to local participation; it also attracted falconers from across the Arab world, giving it a distinctive regional character. A total of 675 falconers registered for the competitions, undergoing rigorous elimination rounds that resulted in 218 falconers qualifying for the finals, underscoring the high level of skill among the participants and the seriousness of the competition.
Falconry: A rich cultural and historical heritage
These events derive their significance from the deep-rooted tradition of falconry in the Arab and Saudi consciousness. Falconry is an integral part of the Kingdom's intangible heritage and has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Such festivals serve to revive the traditions of our forefathers, for whom falcons were companions to the Arab people in their travels and at home, and a means of hunting and survival, before evolving into a heritage sport that instills values of patience, endurance, and chivalry in new generations.
Tourist and economic dimensions of the festival
For his part, the mayor of Al-Asyah Governorate, Engineer Ghazi Al-Dhafeeri, explained that the Falcon Festival in Qassim has transcended being merely a sporting event, becoming a prominent annual event that contributes to the region's economic and tourism activity. This event aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places great importance on the heritage and culture sector as a pillar of the national economy.
The festival contributes to revitalizing commercial activity in Al-Asyah Governorate and attracts visitors from within the Kingdom and abroad, thus promoting the concept of heritage and rural tourism. The organizers ensured the site was equipped with all necessary logistical services and facilities to guarantee a comfortable and memorable experience for both participants and the public, further solidifying Al-Qassim's position as a hub for successful heritage festivals.
