Jeddah: The Saudi Falcons Club has announced registration dates for participants in the first track of the AlUla Falcon Cup, which aims to revive historical traditions of falconry in the Arabian Peninsula.
The initiative marks the first step in a series of events showcasing the significance of falcons to AlUla’s visitors and tourists.
Participants in the first track designated for owners, open owners, and local professionals must register falcons from Dec. 25-27, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., at the Shuwaima Hall in the village of Al-Fursan in AlUla.
Local owners and professionals will compete in 24 rounds. Prizes will be awarded to 10 winners from local owners, and 10 winners from local professionals and open owners.
The second track is assigned to falcons with the best race time in the qualifying rounds of the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2023, while the third track is divided into six rounds for elite falcons. The fourth track is designated for the Al-Mazayen (beauty) competition, and consists of six rounds for local participants.
Rami Al-Moallim, vice president of destination management and marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “Falcons are deeply rooted in the region’s culture, and we are proud to showcase our ancient heritage and culture to the world through the AlUla Falcon Cup. This event promises thrills to AlUla’s locals and visitors alike, paying homage to our traditions and our commitment to protecting and showcasing this culture globally.”
Al-Moallim highlighted the commission’s commitment to showcasing the unique bond between humans and falcons, while utilizing the backdrop of AlUla’s dramatic landscape.
The AlUla Falcon Cup is a collaboration between the Saudi Falcons Club and the Royal Commission for AlUla. The competition seeks to establish new records in the heritage sport, and will provide an unprecedented total prize pool of SR60 million ($16 million), which will be distributed across various categories, including both Al-Milwah (racing) and Al-Mazayen competitions.
The AlUla Falcon Cup will take place daily from Dec. 28 to Jan. 5, starting at 8 a.m. at the Mughira Heritage Sports Village in AlUla. Spectators will have the chance to see the remarkable racing techniques of falcons. The competition aims to showcase the strong bond between falcons and their falconers, highlighting the commanding skills and communication methods employed by the falconers.
The Al-Mazayen competition will feature a selection of the most beautiful falcons from Jan. 2-4, between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Walid Al-Taweel, official spokesperson of the Saudi Falcons Club, said: “Falconry, especially falcon racing, holds deep cultural significance in the Kingdom, serving as a bridge between tradition, heritage, and the powerful bond between humans and birds of prey. We look forward to bringing the most thrilling falcon competition to the ancient city of AlUla.”
The competition will bring together falconers from neighboring Arab and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, as well as participants from around the world, creating a global spectacle.
The AlUla Falcon Cup is part of the AlUla Moments’ Calendar, which features a variety of sports events, such as the AlUla Camel Cup, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup, AlUla Desert Blaze, AlUla Trail Race, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, and the recently added Tent Pegging Championship and Horse Back Archery.
