Riyadh, December 14, 2024 – Saudi female falconers have expressed immense pride and excitement at their participation in the 2024 King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, one of the most prestigious events of its kind, organized by the Saudi Falconry Club. Taking place at the club’s headquarters in Malham, just north of Riyadh, the festival is set to run until December 19 and boasts an extraordinary prize pool exceeding SAR 36 million—marking the largest in the history of the event.
This year’s festival is particularly significant as it features a special round dedicated exclusively to female falconers, a groundbreaking development in the world’s largest gathering of falconers. Female participants have voiced their appreciation for the Saudi Falconry Club’s initiative, which provides them with the opportunity to pursue their passion for falconry professionally. For many of the female competitors, this step represents a milestone in a traditionally male-dominated sport, offering them a platform to compete under strict regulations, fostering both respect and inclusivity within the community.
One of the standout participants, Huda Al-Mutairi, a seasoned falconer, has shared her joy in being able to compete alongside other falconers and aim for top honors at the festival. Al-Mutairi, who has previously won first-place titles in falconry competitions, also proudly holds the distinction of being the first Saudi falconer with a disability. She emphasized that despite her challenges, she is determined to give her best and is fully prepared to compete for the first-place title in this year’s festival, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the sport.
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival continues to solidify its status as a vital cultural and sporting event, promoting the rich heritage of falconry in Saudi Arabia, while also highlighting the empowerment of women in sports and traditional activities. This initiative not only showcases the skills and dedication of Saudi female falconers but also sets a precedent for the future of falconry competitions, where inclusivity and respect for all participants are paramount.