Now, Celebrate Falconry and Saudi Culture: King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival in Riyadh

Published on December 29, 2025

The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2025 officially launched on Thursday at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, located north of Riyadh. The event marks the beginning of the world’s largest falconry gathering, which attracts falconers and enthusiasts from around the globe. With participants from nine countries, the festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s rich falconry heritage and highlights the sport’s significance in Arab culture.

The festival, which runs for several weeks, showcases the incredible skills of falconers who have traveled from regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. With its focus on cultural traditions, wildlife conservation, and the sporting aspects of falconry, the event has become an important occasion for tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.

The Importance of the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival

The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival was established to preserve and promote falconry as a significant part of Saudi Arabian culture, and it has grown into one of the most notable cultural events in the Kingdom. Falconry, which dates back centuries, holds an esteemed place in the traditions of the Arabian Peninsula, and the festival serves as a tribute to this heritage.

Held annually, the festival attracts international falconry experts and audiences who come to admire the majestic birds of prey, including falcons, hawks, and eagles, which are trained to hunt. Visitors can enjoy watching falconers demonstrate their birds’ skills in live hunts and displays, as well as explore exhibitions showcasing the tools, history, and techniques of the sport.

The event also plays a key role in educating the public about the conservation efforts surrounding birds of prey and their habitats. This focus on conservation is reflected in the event’s educational programs and the participation of environmental organizations and experts in the field.

A Global Gathering of Falconers

The 2025 edition of the festival has brought together falconers from nine countries, making it an international gathering of falconry experts. Countries represented include the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, and Morocco, as well as European nations such as the UK and France. The event also features local participants from across Saudi Arabia, particularly from regions like Najd and the Eastern Province, which have long histories of falconry traditions.

This international participation helps to foster greater collaboration and exchange of knowledge among falconers from different regions, creating opportunities for the sharing of best practices and the development of new techniques for training and caring for falcons. The festival is a celebration of both the sport and the bond between falconers and their birds, offering a unique cultural experience for all attendees.

Falconry Competitions and Exhibitions

One of the main attractions of the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival is the series of competitions held throughout the event. These contests include various categories, such as speed racing and hunting trials, where falcons showcase their agility, precision, and training. The Saudi Falcons Club hosts these competitions, which are judged by a panel of experienced falconers and wildlife experts.

The festival also includes exhibitions that highlight the history of falconry, the evolution of tools used in the sport, and the techniques that have been passed down through generations. These exhibitions are a valuable resource for tourists interested in learning more about falconry’s cultural significance in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world.

Another key aspect of the festival is its merchandise booths, where visitors can purchase traditional falconry gear, such as jesses, hoods, and gloves, as well as decorative items inspired by falconry. These souvenirs provide a way for visitors to take a piece of the festival home with them, while also supporting local artisans and businesses.

Attracting Tourists to Riyadh and Saudi Arabia

The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival not only celebrates falconry but also plays an important role in boosting tourism to Riyadh and Saudi Arabia as a whole. The festival’s international appeal brings visitors from all over the world, showcasing the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and its growing status as a hub for eco-tourism and cultural tourism.

With the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative aiming to increase tourism and diversify the economy, events like the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival help to promote Saudi Arabia as an attractive destination for cultural and adventure tourism. The Kingdom’s rich history, coupled with its modern infrastructure and growing hospitality sector, make it an appealing destination for travelers seeking unique experiences.

For tourists visiting Riyadh, the festival provides a chance to experience one of the Kingdom’s most iconic traditions up close, while also enjoying the warmth and hospitality that Saudi Arabia is known for. The festival is an excellent opportunity for both local and international visitors to learn more about the Arabian culture, witness spectacular falconry displays, and take part in a global celebration of this ancient sport.

Conclusion

The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2025 has successfully positioned Saudi Arabia as a leading destination for falconry enthusiasts and cultural tourists from around the globe. By hosting falconers from nine countries and providing a platform for showcasing the heritage, conservation efforts, and excitement of falconry, the festival continues to enhance the Kingdom’s reputation in the world of cultural tourism.

For tourists traveling to Riyadh, the festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditional and modern aspects of falconry, making it a must-see event on the Saudi tourism calendar. As the festival grows in scale and prominence, it is expected to further boost tourism in the region and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to promote cultural and eco-tourism.