Riyadh: The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, organized annually by the Saudi Falcons Club at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, stands as a model that has earned the Kingdom the title of the global home of falcons and falconry. The festival has established itself as the largest event of its kind in the world, thanks to its record-breaking achievements and consistent successes.
According to Saudi Press Agency, since its inception, the festival has seen continuous growth in participation, prize value, and diversity of competitions, reflecting the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving the falconry heritage, supporting the economic and social development of the falconry community, and providing a prestigious platform that brings together Saudis, enthusiasts, and professionals alongside international participants.
Over the past six years, the festival’s prize pool has grown steadily, starting from over SAR17 million in early 2019 to exceeding SAR38 million by 2025. The number of participating falcons has also increased significantly, from 1,723 in the inaugural 2019 festival to 3,322 in 2024, the highest number recorded since the festival began.
The number of competition rounds has also expanded remarkably, from 53 to 139 in this year’s festival, allowing broader participation from owners, enthusiasts, elite professionals, and aspiring falconers.
These developments demonstrate the festival’s capacity for continuous growth and innovation. It has created an advanced organizational framework that employs the latest judging techniques while maintaining its global prominence, having set three Guinness World Records for the largest number of falcons participating in a single event. The festival has thus become a leading international destination, attracting falconers from the Gulf and around the world, and highlighting the Kingdom’s cultural identity as a guardian of this rich heritage.
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival is scheduled to take place from December 25, 2025, to January 10, 2026, featuring participation from falconers representing nine countries, further showcasing Saudi Arabia as a global hub for falconry.
