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.

The stamp, unveiled through a partnership between the Saudi Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Passports and the Saudi Falcons Club, celebrates one of the Kingdom’s most iconic traditions while promoting global engagement and tourism.

The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition is taking place at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, from October 2 to October 11, 2025.

Recognized as a premier event for falconry enthusiasts and cultural aficionados worldwide, the exhibition brings together over 1,300 exhibitors and brands from more than 45 countries, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for both traditional heritage and modern innovation in wildlife conservation and cultural celebration.

The launch of the special stamp adds a unique and tangible symbol of the Kingdom’s dedication to preserving its cultural legacy. Available to travelers arriving through King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, and the land border crossings in the Eastern Province, the stamp serves as both a memento and a recognition of Saudi Arabia’s vibrant traditions and international outreach.

This initiative underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to cultural tourism and the promotion of Saudi heritage globally. By offering the commemorative stamp, the Ministry of Interior and Saudi Falcons Club provide visitors and participants with a memorable keepsake, connecting them personally to the rich history of falconry in the Arabian Peninsula.

Falconry, a centuries-old tradition in Saudi Arabia, is not only a symbol of skill and prestige but also an emblem of the nation’s dedication to wildlife preservation and ecological sustainability.

The exhibition itself offers a dynamic platform for international cooperation and knowledge sharing. Visitors can explore innovative falconry equipment, sustainable hunting practices, wildlife conservation initiatives, and traditional Arabian heritage displays. With participants from dozens of countries, the event fosters cross-cultural dialogue and professional exchange among falconry experts, enthusiasts, conservationists, and cultural organizations, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s leadership in promoting heritage and sustainable practices worldwide.

Officials from the Saudi Ministry of Interior and Saudi Falcons Club expressed their enthusiasm for the exhibition and the commemorative stamp, highlighting the event’s role in strengthening international ties and showcasing Saudi Arabia as a destination for cultural tourism. By celebrating falconry through such initiatives, the Kingdom continues to honor its traditions while inviting global audiences to experience and appreciate its unique heritage.

The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of culture, tradition, and international collaboration. Visitors will have the opportunity to witness the grace and skill of falcons, engage with exhibitors from around the world, and take home a piece of Saudi Arabia’s legacy through the special stamp—a symbol of pride, unity, and cultural preservation.

As the Kingdom continues to promote initiatives that highlight both heritage and innovation, the exhibition and commemorative stamp reflect Saudi Arabia’s vision for a future where tradition and modernity coexist, fostering global connections and inspiring admiration for the country’s rich cultural landscape.