Riyadh, December 14, 2024 – The International Falcon Breeders Auction was held today as part of the prestigious Al-Mazayen competition at the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2024, a significant event organized by the Saudi Falconry Club. The festival, which is currently taking place at the club’s headquarters in Malham, located to the north of Riyadh, is set to run until December 19. This year’s edition has garnered global attention, offering an impressive prize pool exceeding SAR 36 million, marking the largest reward total in the history of the festival.
The auction is one of the key highlights of the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, drawing falcon breeders and enthusiasts from around the world to showcase their prized birds. A total of 284 falcons participated in the competition, which is divided into six distinct race categories: Gyr Muthalath Farkh, Gyr Pure Farkh, Gyr Shaheen Farkh, Gyr Tabaa Farkh, Hurr Farkh, and Shaheen Farkh. These categories highlight the variety and richness of falcon species, each celebrated for their unique qualities and traditional significance in falconry.
Recognized as the largest falconry gathering in the world, the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival has earned three Guinness World Records for the extraordinary number of falcons participating in its events. This prestigious festival has become a key venue for falconers, bringing together an elite community of local and international enthusiasts, breeders, and falconry experts. The event serves as a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the ancient art of falconry, which has long been intertwined with the nation’s history and traditions.
Beyond its cultural significance, the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival plays a vital role in promoting the sustainability and future of falconry. The festival's organizers are committed to ensuring that this centuries-old practice not only thrives in the present but is also preserved for future generations. Through competitions, educational initiatives, and the support of local and international falconers, the festival seeks to revive interest in falconry as both a traditional hobby and a professional pursuit.
With a strong focus on sustainability, the event also fosters innovation within the community, encouraging breeders and falconers to share knowledge and best practices. This ensures that the next generation of falconers is equipped with the skills and expertise needed to continue the legacy of this time-honored tradition.
In addition to the competitive aspects of the festival, the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival serves as an important platform for strengthening international collaboration in the falconry community. By bringing together participants from across the globe, the festival promotes cultural exchange, with the shared goal of safeguarding and enhancing the future of falconry worldwide.
As the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival continues to grow in stature and significance, it solidifies Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in preserving and promoting falconry. The event not only highlights the Kingdom’s cultural commitment but also sets the stage for the continued success of falconry as an integral part of both Saudi heritage and the global community.