Riyadh, December 20, 2024 – The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concluded in spectacular fashion with the King’s Sword rounds of the Melwah racing competition, hosted by the Saudi Falcons Club at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. The event brought together elite falconers and their prized falcons, showcasing unparalleled skills, fierce competition, and a deep commitment to preserving the heritage of falconry.
The highlight of the event was the crowning of Barghash Al-Mansouri, who secured victory in the first round of the Shaheen and Hur categories with his exceptional falcon, SH13. Demonstrating remarkable skill and agility, SH13 soared to the top spot, overcoming challenging rivals and proving its mettle under favorable atmospheric conditions.
Speaking on his win, Al-Mansouri highlighted the falcon’s renowned strength, noting that SH13's performance can be influenced by wind conditions. However, the stable weather allowed the falcon to perform at its peak, earning a well-deserved first place. Al-Mansouri admitted that he had anticipated Falcon Shama, owned by Fahd Al-Mansouri, to clinch the top spot, but Shama ultimately secured second place in a closely contested race.
Al-Mansouri extended heartfelt gratitude to the Saudi Falcons Club for their exceptional organization and efforts in elevating the festival to new heights. He commended the club for creating an environment where falconry traditions can flourish, and competitors can showcase their talents on an international stage.
He also took a moment to congratulate all victors across the various rounds of the competition, emphasizing the ever-growing strength and evolution of the festival. "Each year, the level of competition becomes more intense, reflecting the dedication of falconers and the increasing prestige of this event," Al-Mansouri remarked.
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival has cemented itself as a global platform for celebrating the art of falconry, blending cultural preservation with a spirit of innovation and excellence. As this year’s event concluded, it left participants and audiences alike with a sense of pride in a heritage that continues to soar to new heights.
