The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2025 wrapped up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 12, 2026, with its highlight events, the King’s Sword and King’s Shella rounds. These final competitions drew top falconers from around the world, showcasing elite birds in intense races and crowning champions amid a record prize pool over 38 million Saudi riyals.
Event Overview and Global Appeal
Falconry enthusiasts gathered at the Saudi Falcons Club grounds in Malham, north of Riyadh, for this annual celebration of a cherished tradition. The festival ran from December 25, 2025, to January 10, 2026, before extending into the final day for the prestige rounds.
This year’s event broke records with 139 competitive rounds and attracted participants from Gulf nations, Europe, and Asia. Falconers from Spain, Italy, Ireland, Pakistan, and Syria joined locals, highlighting falconry’s growing international status. Organizers reported over 1,000 prizes distributed, emphasizing the sport’s role in preserving Saudi heritage while fostering global ties.
The festival ties into broader cultural trends in Saudi Arabia, where events like this boost tourism and connect with modern audiences. Recent years have seen similar heritage festivals gain popularity, drawing parallels to the Riyadh Season’s sports and entertainment lineup.
King’s Sword Rounds Steal the Spotlight
The King’s Sword rounds kicked off the finale, focusing on Furokh categories like Pure Gyr, Hybrid Pure Gyr, Gyr Peregrine, and Gyr Shaheen. These races tested falcons’ speed and agility over set distances, with birds chasing lures in high-stakes sprints.
Winners in these rounds claimed not just glory but substantial rewards. First place took home a symbolic sword plus 500,000 Saudi riyals, second earned 200,000 riyals, and third received 100,000 riyals. Falconer Barghash Al Mansouri, a standout from previous years, praised the ideal weather that allowed falcons like SH13 to shine, securing top spots despite wind challenges in past events.
Later rounds shifted to Saker and Shaheen categories, where competition intensified. Observers noted how these birds, known for their power and precision, adapted to the course, leading to photo finishes that thrilled crowds.
King’s Shella Rounds Deliver Fierce Competition
Following the Sword events, the King’s Shella rounds featured Qarnas categories, starting with Pure Gyr and hybrids. These competitions emphasized endurance and hunting prowess, rooted in falconry’s historical use for survival in the desert.
Prizes here included the coveted Shella trophy for first place, paired with 400,000 riyals. Second place netted 150,000 riyals, and third got 80,000 riyals. Participants highlighted the emotional weight of these awards, which symbolize mastery in a sport passed down through generations.
One notable moment came when a Syrian falconer’s bird edged out favorites, sparking discussions on breeding techniques. This round also showcased advancements in falcon care, with health checks ensuring fair play.
The Shella finale for Saker and Shaheen wrapped up the day, with falcons demonstrating remarkable speeds. Experts point to improved training methods, including tech like GPS tracking, as key to this year’s high performances.
Prize Breakdown and Festival Impact
The total prize pool exceeded 38 million Saudi riyals, marking a new high for the event. This financial boost encourages participation and supports falconry’s future.
Here’s a quick look at the top prizes:
- King’s Sword First Place: Symbolic sword + 500,000 riyals
- King’s Sword Second Place: 200,000 riyals
- King’s Sword Third Place: 100,000 riyals
- King’s Shella First Place: Shella trophy + 400,000 riyals
- King’s Shella Second Place: 150,000 riyals
- King’s Shella Third Place: 80,000 riyals
Beyond money, the festival promotes conservation. Organizers partnered with health experts to monitor birds, tying into global efforts to protect endangered raptors. Attendance figures topped previous years, with families enjoying exhibits on falcon history and live demos.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Weather played a role this year, with mild conditions aiding races but reminding all of falconry’s ties to nature. Some falconers faced travel hurdles due to international logistics, yet the diverse lineup strengthened the event’s appeal.
Looking ahead, the Saudi Falcons Club plans expansions for 2027, possibly adding more categories or virtual elements for global viewers. This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, blending tradition with innovation in sports and culture.
Recent related events, like the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Festival Race Night on January 8, 2026, at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, show a surge in equestrian and heritage activities in Riyadh. These gatherings boost local economies and attract tourists seeking authentic experiences.
| Category | Number of Rounds | Top Prize (Riyals) | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| King’s Sword Furokh | 2 | 500,000 | Speed-focused races |
| King’s Shella Qarnas | 2 | 400,000 | Endurance emphasis |
| Overall Festival | 139 | 38 million total | Global participants |
Cultural Significance and Community Engagement
Falconry holds deep roots in Saudi culture, once vital for hunting and now a symbol of heritage. The festival educates younger generations through workshops and displays, ensuring the tradition endures.
Attendees shared stories of family legacies, with many passing down birds and skills. This communal aspect adds emotional depth, making the event more than just competition.
Health initiatives, like those from Weqaa, enhanced safety, checking falcons for well-being. Such measures build trust and promote ethical practices in the sport.
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