Al-Qassim Falconry Festival: Winners crowned with the participation of 675 falconers
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al-Qassim Region, the Al-Asyah Governorate witnessed the conclusion of the Al-Qassim Falconry Festival, a grand heritage event that brought together 675 falconers from across the Arab world. The closing ceremony was attended by a host of officials and enthusiasts of this ancient sport, reflecting the prestigious status of falconry in the Kingdom and the region.
Reviving cultural heritage and strengthening national identity
The patronage of His Royal Highness the Prince of Qassim for this festival comes within the framework of the growing attention that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is giving to reviving intangible heritage, as falconry is an integral part of the cultural identity of the Arabian Peninsula. These events gain particular importance in light of the inscription of falconry on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage, making such festivals vital platforms for transmitting expertise between generations and consolidating the values of patience, perseverance, and chivalry that have historically been associated with the life of the Arab falconer.
Economic and tourism activity in Al-Asyah Governorate
In his address, Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal emphasized that the impact of these festivals extends beyond the sporting aspect to include tangible economic and tourism benefits. The Al-Asyah Governorate, with its unique geography, provides a fertile ground for hosting such competitions, thus contributing to placing the region on the heritage tourism map. The influx of hundreds of falconers and visitors from within the Kingdom and abroad generates commercial activity that revitalizes local markets and the hospitality sector, thereby achieving one of the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030: diversifying income sources and stimulating domestic tourism.
Praise for the organization and recognition for the winners
His Highness praised the professional organizational efforts that reflected the integrated work between the government and private sectors, noting that the festival's success is measured by the quality of its organization and the diversity of its participants. At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Highness crowned the winners in the three main categories of the competition: (mixed, free-flying, and peregrine falcons). The organizing committee allocated valuable cash prizes totaling 135,000 riyals, distributed as follows: 20,000 riyals for first place, 15,000 riyals for second place, and 10,000 riyals for third place in each category, as an incentive for falconers and in support of the continuation of this noble sport.
The ceremony concluded with honoring the sponsors and supporters who contributed to the success of this heritage event, amid aspirations to continue this excellence in future editions to enhance the presence of the Qassim region in the calendar of national and international events.
