Riyadh: The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2025 concluded after 17 days of competitions held at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. A total of 3,536 falcons were registered across the Al-Melwah and Mazayen contests, competing for prizes exceeding SAR38 million. The festival set a new world record for the number of participating falcons, surpassing its previous benchmark after the three Guinness World Records it already received for falcon participation.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Saudi Falcons Club CEO Talal Al-Shamaisi said the festival's strong local and international turnout reflects the unlimited support and attention the falconry sector receives from the Kingdom's leadership. He noted that the efforts aim to preserve the heritage of falconry, expand participation in the traditional sport, and instill environmental and social values.

He added that the festival seeks to bring falconers from around the world under one umbrella, reinforcing the Kingdom's standing as a global home for falcons and falconers. Al-Shamaisi noted that the festival, the world's largest gathering of falcons, introduced notable competition enhancements this year, including the first-ever participation of Mongolian falcons through two dedicated Nova Falcon rounds and an additional round allocated exclusively to them. He stated that the move reflects the club's commitment to advancing competition formats and accommodating new falcon types.

Such participation, Al-Shamaisi added, contributed to diversifying rounds and raising the level of competition. It provided a qualitative boost to the Al-Melwah contest, which includes locally bred falcons as well as falcons from the international auction of breeding farms, with dedicated rounds designed to ensure fair competition.

The Saudi Falcons Club announced its 2026 events calendar, starting with the International Falcon Breeders Auction from August 5 to 25, followed by the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition from October 1 to 10.