The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, the world’s largest gathering of falconers, has officially opened near Riyadh, offering an unprecedented prize pool of SR36 million. The festival, which runs until December 19, features both Saudi and international falconers competing in various prestigious contests.
A Historic Prize Pool
This year’s festival has made history with the largest prize pool in its existence, offering SR36 million in rewards across its qualifying and final rounds. The event not only showcases the skill of falconers from Saudi Arabia and abroad but also celebrates falconry, a cultural tradition deeply rooted in the Kingdom’s history.
The King Abdulaziz Cup and Sword
At the heart of the competition are two major titles: the King Abdulaziz Cup and the King’s Sword. The competition for the King Abdulaziz Cup includes 73 rounds across various categories, with falconers vying for top honours. In addition, there are two rounds of the King Abdulaziz Sword, one of the most coveted awards in falconry.
Special Contests and Categories
The festival has expanded its inclusivity this year with a contest specifically for female falconers, reflecting the growing participation of women in this centuries-old sport. Additionally, one of the highlights is the falcon beauty pageant, a unique element that showcases the magnificent birds bred for hunting, selected for their size, feather quality, and appearance.
A Global Falconry Showcase
With participants from around the world, the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival has become a key event for falconers to demonstrate their birds’ skills and compete for the most prestigious titles in falconry. As the festival progresses, it continues to highlight Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving this ancient tradition while simultaneously modernizing and expanding the sport’s global appeal.