Saudi female falconers are making remarkable strides at the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, showcasing their skills and dedication. This annual event, organized by the Saudi Falconry Club, celebrates the Kingdom’s rich falconry heritage and runs until December 19 at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. It offers prizes exceeding SR36 million ($9.6 million) in the Al-Mellwah racing and Mazayen falcon beauty pageant competitions.
Pioneering Female Participation
In 2019, Adhari Al-Khaldi became the first Saudi woman to compete, inspiring other women to participate in falconry. This year, a dedicated Al-Mellwah race for women was introduced, creating a professional platform for female falconers to excel. Participants thanked the Saudi Falconry Club for the initiative, which supports women pursuing falconry under professional and strictly regulated conditions.
Huda Al-Mutairi, a pioneering Saudi falconer with a disability, previously won first place in falconry competitions. She expressed confidence in her preparations for this year’s festival, aiming to secure another top position. Al-Mutairi’s participation highlights the inclusivity and growth of the sport among women in Saudi Arabia.
Global Recognition and Cultural Preservation
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival holds three Guinness World Records for hosting the world’s largest gathering of falcons. It attracts top falconers globally, celebrating cultural heritage while encouraging competition and sustainability. Talal Al-Shamaisi, CEO of the Saudi Falconry Club, emphasized the festival’s goal to advance falconry as a cultural hobby and preserve this Arab tradition for future generations.
The festival continues to inspire and empower Saudi women in falconry, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to cultural heritage and gender inclusion. With initiatives like the dedicated women’s race, Saudi female falconers are soaring to new heights.
