The Dutch ambassador praises the technologies of the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2025
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Hans Peter van der Voude, paid an official visit today to the headquarters of the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2025 , which is organized by the Saudi Falcons Club in the Malham area, north of the capital Riyadh, and whose activities will continue until January 10, 2026, amid a remarkable local and international presence.
Upon his arrival, the Dutch ambassador was received by Ahmed Al-Hababi, the Vice President of the Saudi Falcons Club. The visit included an extensive field tour, during which the ambassador and his delegation observed some of the exciting competitions in the local owners' rounds of the "Al-Malwah" competition. This competition was distinguished by the participation of 367 falcons, reflecting the significant interest and growing passion for this traditional sport.
Combining authenticity with the latest global technologies
During the tour, the Dutch ambassador was briefed on the advanced mechanisms employed in managing the festival, receiving a detailed explanation of the work of the technical and judging committees. He expressed great interest in the modern technologies and precise devices used to accurately track the speed of the falcons and determine the winners in the Al-Malwah competitions (Photo Finish). These are world-class technologies that ensure the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the competitions, highlighting how the Kingdom has successfully integrated advanced technology with its rich cultural heritage to deliver an exceptional edition of the festival.
The importance of the festival and its international standing
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival holds special significance that transcends its local dimension, as it is the world's largest gathering of falcons and has previously entered the Guinness World Records for the number of participating birds. Organizing this massive event is part of the Kingdom's efforts to solidify its cultural identity and preserve the sport of falconry, which is inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festival reflects the Saudi leadership's commitment, within the framework of Vision 2030, to supporting traditional hobbies and connecting new generations with their history, while presenting them in a modern format that attracts participants and tourists from around the world, thus enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global tourist and cultural destination.
Diplomatic praise for heritage preservation
At the conclusion of his tour, which included the participating pavilions and accompanying events, Ambassador Hans Peter van der Woude expressed his gratitude to the Saudi Falcons Club for their warm welcome. He also expressed his deep admiration for the high level of professional organization he witnessed, praising the Kingdom's efforts in managing falconry competitions according to the latest international standards. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of continuing such festivals, which effectively contribute to preserving cultural heritage and supporting the practice of this time-honored sport, thus strengthening cultural and civilizational ties between peoples.
