International Falconers Shine at King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival in Riyadh
Riyadh – The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival in Malham, north of Riyadh, recently celebrated the achievements of international falconers competing in the Milwah lure-racing and Mazayen beauty competitions, attracting global participants and enthusiasts.
Organized by the Saudi Falcons Club, the festival featured 139 rounds across multiple categories and offered 1,012 prizes worth over SR38 million, creating a vibrant platform for both professional and amateur falconers to showcase their skills.
Twelve international professionals were crowned winners of the King Abdulaziz Cups in the Milwah competition, which tests the speed, agility, and training of competing falcons over 400 meters, highlighting the technical precision and expertise of participants.
Bahraini and Emirati falconers dominated the international rounds, each claiming four titles, reflecting the high level of competition and growing prominence of the festival as a global center for falconry excellence.
The Mazayen beauty pageant, evaluating falcons on strict aesthetic standards, began alongside the racing events, attracting competitors from the Gulf, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Pakistan, and the Syrian Arab Republic, emphasizing the festival’s diverse and international appeal.
Cash prizes for the Mazayen contest reward top performers, with first place receiving SR300,000, second place SR175,000, third SR100,000, fourth SR30,000, and fifth SR20,000, incentivizing skillful training and presentation of the birds.
The festival has grown steadily since its launch in 2019, achieving global recognition and setting three Guinness World Records as the largest falcon festival in terms of participating birds, underlining Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting traditional sports.
The Milwah race includes separate categories for local and international competitors, as well as divisions for owners, amateurs, professionals, and elite falconers, allowing for a fair and comprehensive assessment of skills across all levels of experience.
Festival organizers emphasize the cultural and historical significance of falconry, combining sport, tradition, and conservation to strengthen the heritage and global appreciation of falcon breeding and training practices.
Participants in both Milwah and Mazayen competitions demonstrate advanced techniques in handling, conditioning, and training their falcons, with careful attention to speed, stamina, posture, plumage, and overall health.
The event also serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, connecting falconers from different countries to share methods, breeding practices, and innovations in falcon care, contributing to the global advancement of the sport.
With extensive international participation, the festival has become a destination for falconry enthusiasts worldwide, fostering networking, cultural exchange, and the celebration of traditional Arabian sporting heritage.
The competition’s rigorous judging criteria ensure that only the most exceptional falcons are recognized, with attention to physical attributes, agility, and performance in Milwah races, as well as symmetry, plumage quality, and elegance in Mazayen rounds.
Saudi Falcons Club officials highlight that the festival not only showcases competitive excellence but also promotes wildlife conservation, education, and public engagement in falconry as a valued cultural asset.
The festival includes workshops, demonstrations, and interactive sessions for spectators, allowing attendees to gain insights into falconry techniques, training regimens, and the care of these birds of prey.
Global recognition of the festival continues to grow, making it a key annual event in the falconry calendar and attracting participants seeking both competitive prestige and international exposure.
The event exemplifies the fusion of tradition and sport, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity while positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in falconry and wildlife conservation initiatives.
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival remains a unique celebration of skill, heritage, and international camaraderie, inspiring the next generation of falconers and promoting the sustainability of falconry practices worldwide.
