Falconers from Saudi Arabia and around the world are preparing for the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2026, which will take place from November 17 to 30 at the National Falconry Centre in Malham, north of Riyadh.
With more than 38 million riyals in prizes at stake, the festival will feature 141 rounds across the Al-Melwah and Al-Mazayen competitions. Participants are stepping up their preparations ahead of what is expected to be a highly competitive edition.
The festival brings together a diverse range of categories and competitions, with several prominent names expected to take part in the Al-Melwah rounds. This is adding to the excitement among participants as they prepare to compete at the highest level.
Bargash Al Mansouri, a well-known name in falconry racing, described the festival as the most important event for falconers, not only in Saudi Arabia but worldwide. He said preparations carry particular significance given the strength of the competition and the growing enthusiasm among participants.
Al Mansouri noted that the festival continues to develop each year, becoming an international gathering that brings together falconers from different countries. It also provides an opportunity to meet, exchange knowledge and share experience while competing in an environment that reflects the growing standing of falconry competitions in Saudi Arabia.
He added that his participation would cover all categories, with preparations underway to compete across different levels. The variety of rounds and the strength of the participants, he said, make the competitions especially important and encourage falconers to deliver their best performances.
Al Mansouri also praised the National Falconry Centre for its efforts in organising the festival, preserving the heritage of falconry and developing its competitions. He said these efforts help attract participants from around the world and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global destination for falconry.
