The Dutch ambassador visits the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2025 and praises the technologies
Amid growing international interest in the cultural and heritage events hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Kingdom, Mr. Hans Peter van der Woude, visited today the headquarters of the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2025. This event, the largest of its kind in the world, is organized by the Saudi Falcons Club at its headquarters in the Malham Center (north of Riyadh) and will continue until January 10, 2026.
A diplomatic tour in the heart of Saudi heritage
Upon his arrival, the Dutch Ambassador was received by Mr. Ahmed Al-Hababi, Vice President of the Saudi Falcons Club. Mr. Al-Hababi then accompanied the Ambassador and his delegation on a comprehensive field tour, during which they observed some of the live competitions for local falconers. These competitions were highly exciting, with 367 falcons participating in the "Al-Malwah" competition, one of the most prominent and prestigious falconry events that relies on speed and precision.
Integrating modern technology with rich heritage
During the tour, the Dutch ambassador was briefed on the advanced mechanisms employed in managing the festival, receiving a detailed explanation of the workings of the various committees. He expressed particular interest in the festival's technological infrastructure and learned about the latest global equipment and technologies used in recording results and organizing the races, which ensure the highest standards of transparency and fairness in judging. This reflects the significant progress the Kingdom has made in developing this traditional sport.
King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival: A Cultural Facade
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival holds immense significance beyond its status as a sporting event. It represents a cornerstone in preserving the cultural heritage of the Kingdom and the region, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to strengthen national identity. In its successive editions, the festival has successfully entered the Guinness World Records, both in terms of the number of participating falcons and the value of the prizes, making it a magnet for falconers from around the world and a prominent tourist and cultural destination.
Impressions of the Dutch Ambassador
At the conclusion of his visit, Ambassador Foudi toured the festival's pavilions, expressing his profound satisfaction with the high level of professional organization, comparable to major international events. He thanked the Saudi Falcons Club for their warm welcome and commended the Kingdom's efforts in preserving this rich human heritage.
The ambassador stressed that managing falcon races according to the latest modern global technologies is a remarkable achievement, hoping that this interest and support for this heritage hobby will continue to ensure its transmission to future generations, and to enhance cultural and knowledge exchange between peoples through such inclusive heritage events.
