King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2025 kicks off with prizes totaling 38 million
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2025 kicked off today, Thursday, at its headquarters in Mulham, north of Riyadh. Organized by the Saudi Falcons Club, the festival will run until January 10, 2026, and is generating significant local and international anticipation. Elite falconers will compete for substantial cash prizes totaling over 38 million Saudi riyals.
Historical legacy and global standing
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival is more than just a sporting competition; it is an extension of a rich cultural and civilizational heritage deeply rooted in the history of the Arabian Peninsula. This edition further solidifies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global destination for falconry, especially after the festival's successive successes in previous editions and its entry into the Guinness World Records three times as the largest gathering of falcons in the world. This event reflects the wise leadership's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and strengthening national identity, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Competition details and prizes
The first day witnessed a strong start with six qualifying rounds dedicated to elite local falconers, encompassing diverse categories such as "Gyrfalcon Pure (young and adult)" and "Peregrine Falcon (young and adult)." The festival is set to feature fierce competition across 139 rounds, with 1,012 valuable prizes to be awarded. The main competitions are divided into two categories: the "Al-Malwah" (400-meter lure) competition, which attracts owners, amateurs, and professionals, and the "Al-Mazayin" competition, which focuses on the aesthetic qualities of falcons according to precise criteria.
Wide international participation and a new generation of falconers
This year's festival has a distinctly international character, bringing together competitors from nine different countries. In addition to falconers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, delegations from Italy, Ireland, and Syria are participating, underscoring the festival's international appeal. In a strategic move to ensure the sustainability of this sport, the Saudi Falcons Club has given special attention to younger generations, dedicating classes for children and school students, as well as classes for women, to promote community participation and systematically pass on this rich heritage to future generations.
Cultural and tourist dimensions
The festival contributes to highlighting the falconry heritage, which UNESCO has inscribed on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2010. In addition to the competitions, the festival offers a comprehensive tourist and cultural experience for visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Accompanying events include the "Falconer of the Future" educational pavilion, exhibitions of falconry equipment, and pavilions for local artisans and producers, making it an entertainment destination that blends the authenticity of the past with modern organization.
