The Qassim Falconry Festival concluded in Al-Asyah with the participation of 675 falconers
The Qassim Falconry Festival, concluded yesterday, Wednesday , marking a remarkable success in terms of organization, public attendance, and competition. The festival witnessed wide participation, with 675 falconers arriving from across the Kingdom and the Arab world, reflecting the growing prominence of this event on the region's heritage events calendar.
The festival attracted a large audience, exceeding 20,000 visitors throughout its duration. Attendees enjoyed watching the intense falconry competitions, as well as the accompanying events that targeted various segments of society. This edition was also distinguished by the participation of 15 local artisan families, which contributed to boosting the local economy and supporting families by providing them with outlets to sell their traditional and handcrafted products.
Historical depth and authentic cultural heritage
The organization of the Qassim Falconry Festival stems from the great importance that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places on falconry, a sport that is an integral part of the cultural and civilizational heritage of the Arabian Peninsula. These events are particularly significant as they contribute to reviving the traditions of our forefathers and passing them on to future generations, especially after the Kingdom's success in leading international efforts to register falconry on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Qassim region, with its diverse geography and terrain, provides a fertile and ideal environment for practicing this ancient hobby, making it a preferred destination for falconers.
Economic and tourism dimensions, and alignment with Vision 2030
The festival's importance extends beyond its sporting and cultural significance, encompassing vital economic and tourism dimensions that align with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals of diversifying income sources and boosting domestic tourism. The festival acts as an economic engine for Al-Asyah Governorate and the region as a whole, revitalizing the accommodation and logistics sectors and supporting local producers and artisans. Furthermore, the large public attendance helps position the region on the winter and heritage tourism map, attracting visitors from both within the Kingdom and abroad.
Regional prominence and strong competition
The broad Arab participation in this edition proved that the Qassim Falconry Festival has transcended its local scope to become a regional platform that brings together professional and amateur falconers from across the Arab world. The competitions and accompanying programs were professionally organized, contributing to heightened competition and attracting enthusiasts of this sport, thus strengthening the festival's sustainability and development in future editions, positioning it as one of the most prominent heritage festivals in the Middle East.
