Falconry buffs eye major Saudi competition

Cairo: The third edition of the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival is due to start later this month near the Saudi capital Riyadh amid great interest from fans of falcons and hunters.

The November 28-December 12 event is organised by the Saudi Falconry Club upon directives from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

A record total of 4,073 falcons participated in the first two editions of the event. This year’s edition will include two contests – one for flying for 400 metres and the second for picking the prettiest falcon.

The event, the world’s biggest falconry festival, usually draws falcon owners and fans in the kingdom and other Gulf countries.

Falconry is a popular hobby and an essential part of cultural heritage in the Arabian Peninsula.