Riyadh, December 19, 2024 – The highly anticipated King’s Sword title, regarded as the pinnacle of Melwah racing, is set to kick off Thursday at the prestigious King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2024. Hosted by the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, located just north of Riyadh, the event promises to be a grand celebration of falconry, bringing together elite local and international falconers in what has become the most significant falconry competition in the world.
This year’s festival stands out not only for its historic reputation but also for its unprecedented prize pool, which exceeds SAR 36 million. This makes the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2024 the most lucrative edition in the event’s history. Among the many exciting competitions, the King’s Sword competition takes center stage, offering a total prize pool of approximately SAR 1.85 million, with SAR 925,000 awarded in each of its two rounds. The King’s Sword title is considered the ultimate prize in Melwah racing, attracting some of the finest falconers who compete for both prestige and considerable financial rewards.
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, which has already earned a place in the Guinness World Records three times for the largest participation of falcons, continues to be the definitive gathering for falcon enthusiasts worldwide. Each year, it draws top-tier falconers, offering a unique platform to showcase the skill and precision involved in the ancient sport. This year, the festival will feature a variety of races, exhibitions, and educational sessions aimed at preserving and enriching the cultural heritage of falconry, a tradition that has been practiced for centuries in the region.
The festival’s significance goes beyond competition; it plays a vital role in ensuring the survival and thriving future of falconry as a cultural practice. By bringing together falconers from all corners of the globe, it reignites the spirit of competition, encourages knowledge exchange, and strengthens the global falconry community. With its emphasis on passing down the art of falconry to future generations, the festival ensures that this time-honored tradition continues to flourish, remaining a vital part of the region’s heritage for years to come.
As the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival unfolds, it serves as a reminder of Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage, while also spotlighting the vital role falconry plays in both local and international cultural exchanges. With its remarkable scale and prestige, the festival continues to set the standard for falconry competitions worldwide, drawing attention and admiration from enthusiasts and spectators alike.
