The 2024 King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concluded in Malham, Riyadh, on Thursday, celebrating a vibrant display of tradition and sportsmanship. This year’s festival set a new record with an impressive prize pool of SR36 million ($9.6 million), drawing 1,032 falconers from nine countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and several others.
The event showcased thrilling competitions, with the prestigious King’s Sword challenge being the main attraction. Falconers competed fiercely across two rounds, each offering a prize of SR925,000. Barghash Al-Mansouri emerged as a standout participant, winning in the Shaheen and Hur categories with his falcon SH13 delivering flawless performances.
The festival not only honored the art of falconry but also highlighted its deep roots in Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage. By bringing together falconers from different nations, the event demonstrated the growing global appreciation for this traditional sport. With its blend of history, skill, and competition, the 2024 King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival left a lasting impression on participants and spectators alike.
