World’s Largest Falconry Festival Showcases Heritage and Global Participation

Riyadh – Riyadh witnessed a powerful celebration of heritage and international cultural exchange as the world’s largest falconry festival officially opened its doors this week.

The 2025 King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival commenced at the Saudi Falcons Club’s Malham facility, located north of the capital, drawing wide attention from enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Recognized globally for its scale and organization, the festival has become a flagship cultural event reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving traditional practices while welcoming global participation.

Falconers from nine countries gathered in Riyadh for this year’s edition, representing Gulf Cooperation Council states alongside participants from Italy, Ireland, and Syria.

The presence of international competitors highlights the festival’s growing stature as a global platform for falconry excellence and cultural dialogue.

From its opening day, the event demonstrated remarkable energy with six qualifying heats conducted for local falconers across multiple competitive classifications.

These included Gyr Pure falcons in fledgling and passage stages, as well as Peregrine and Saker falcons competing in both Fledgling and Passage categories.

The competitions reflect the technical depth of the sport and the high standards upheld by the festival’s organizers.

Over the course of the event, participants will compete in an impressive 139 rounds, vying for 1,012 prizes valued at more than SR38 million.

This substantial prize pool reinforces the festival’s role in supporting falconry as both a cultural tradition and a professional sporting discipline.

The festival features two primary disciplines that define modern competitive falconry: the Milwah lure racing trials and the Mazayen beauty contests.

Milwah races are conducted over a 400-meter distance, testing speed, precision, and the bond between falcon and falconer.

These races are divided into four skill levels, including owners, amateurs, professionals, and elite competitors, ensuring fair and structured competition.

Separate divisions for Saudi and international falconers further enhance inclusivity and global representation.

The Mazayen beauty contests focus on detailed aesthetic criteria, celebrating the elegance, symmetry, and unique features of each bird.

Judging standards are exacting, reflecting centuries-old traditions combined with modern evaluation techniques.

The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival holds three Guinness World Records, officially recognizing it as the largest falconry event in the world based on bird participation.

This distinction underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in preserving and elevating falconry on the global cultural map.

Festival organizers have emphasized their commitment to nurturing younger generations and ensuring the continuity of falconry heritage.

Through education, competition, and international collaboration, the event seeks to inspire future falconers and deepen public appreciation for the sport.

As Riyadh continues to host major cultural and heritage events, the festival stands as a symbol of national pride, global openness, and respect for living traditions.

The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival not only celebrates the art of falconry but also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s role as a global hub for heritage-based cultural exchange.