King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2025 kicks off with prizes totaling 38 million
The world's attention, and that of lovers of authentic heritage, is turning to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2025 next Thursday, marking the beginning of an exceptional season at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. The club has completed all its logistical and technical preparations to welcome falconers from within the Kingdom and abroad to this edition, which is considered the most advanced and distinguished yet, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as a leading global destination for this rich heritage.
Historical legacy and global standing
The festival is not just a sporting event; it is a celebration of an integral part of Arab and Saudi cultural identity. This event is an extension of the Kingdom's efforts to preserve the sport of falconry, which has been registered on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2010. The festival is a vital platform for linking the present with the past, combining historical significance with modern organizational techniques, which has contributed to the festival entering the Guinness World Records three times as the largest gathering of falcons in the world.
Details of the competitions and huge prizes
From December 25, 2025, to January 10, 2026, the arena will witness fierce competition across 139 diverse races. The festival management has allocated substantial prize money exceeding 38 million riyals , distributed across 1,012 prizes, reflecting the significant support the leadership provides to this sector. The main competitions are divided as follows:
- The Al-Malwah competition (400 meters): It targets the categories of owners, professionals, and amateurs, with wide local and international participation.
- The beauty contest: which focuses on the aesthetics of falcons according to precise and rare standards, attracting elite falconers from various countries.
Promoting sustainability and international engagement
Reflecting the festival's international dimension, this year's participants hail from nine countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council states, as well as notable entries from Italy, Ireland, and Syria. The festival also places particular emphasis on the sustainability of the falconry tradition and its transmission to future generations by dedicating specific categories for "Future Falconers" (children and youth), schools, and women, ensuring the continuation of this cultural heritage from generation to generation.
A complete cultural and entertainment experience
The festival is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering a comprehensive tourism and cultural experience. In addition to the thrilling races, including the newly introduced Mongolian falconry events, the site features exhibitions of falconry and travel equipment, pavilions for local artisans, and interactive activities in the "Falconer of the Future" pavilion, making it an ideal destination for families and those interested in heritage and desert tourism.
