King Abdulaziz Falcon Festival — Heritage of Fathers and Grandfathers
King Abdulaziz Falcon Festival is one of the most prominent heritage events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, combining authenticity, heritage, and falconry. The festival is organized by the Saudi Falcon Club in Mulham Governorate, north of Riyadh city, and attracts thousands of visitors from inside and outside the Kingdom every year.
Importance of the Festival
Falconry is considered one of the oldest hobbies in the Arabian Peninsula, passed down from fathers to sons. The King Abdulaziz Falcon Festival contributes to preserving this ancient heritage and enhances its status among the new generations. The event also supports heritage tourism in the Kingdom and sheds light on authentic Saudi culture.
Key Festival Events
Al-Mulawah Competition: One of the most intense competitions at the festival, testing the speed of falcons and their ability to fly long distances. Falcons compete in an exciting atmosphere, and the audience cheers for the falcons representing different regions of the Kingdom.
Falcon Auction: A large market for displaying and selling falcons, bringing together breeders and traders from various countries. The auction is an excellent opportunity for enthusiasts to purchase rare and trained falcons.
Heritage Exhibition: Features pavilions showcasing traditional hunting tools, falconry equipment, and heritage clothing. Visitors learn about the history of falconry in the Arabian Peninsula through photos and ancient artifacts.
Children’s Activities: Interactive workshops teaching children how to handle falcons, drawing and coloring, and entertaining and educational activities about falconry.
Flight Displays: Live shows of falcons soaring in the sky, with explanations about different types of falcons and training methods.
Prizes and Competitions
The festival offers substantial cash prizes to winners of falcon competitions, with a total value reaching millions of riyals. This encourages breeders to participate and develop their skills in raising and training falcons.
When and Where?
The festival is held annually in winter, usually between November and December, at the headquarters of the Saudi Falcon Club in Mulham Governorate (approximately one hour’s drive north of Riyadh city). Entry is free for all.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ
Q: Is entry free?
A: Yes, entry to the King Abdulaziz Falcon Festival is free for everyone.
Q: When is the festival held?
A: It is held annually in winter, usually in November and December. The exact dates are announced by the Saudi Falcon Club.
Q: Where is the festival location?
A: In Mulham Governorate, north of Riyadh city, at the headquarters of the Saudi Falcon Club.
Q: Are children allowed?
A: Yes, the festival is family-friendly and includes special activities for children.
Q: How can I participate in the competitions?
A: Registration is done through the official website of the Saudi Falcon Club before the festival begins.
