RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Membership has finalized preparations for the King Abdulaziz Falconry Pageant, scheduled for December Three-19 on the membership's headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh.
Acknowledged as the biggest falcon gathering on the planet, the pageant will characteristic a distinguished group of falconers, together with amateurs, professionals and falcon house owners from Saudi Arabia and overseas.
They may compete within the Al-Mellwah (falcon racing) and Mazayen (falcon magnificence pageant) competitions, the Saudi Press Company reported.
The membership's government director, Talal Al-Shamaisi, mentioned that the principle goal of the pageant is to advertise falconry as a cultural pastime and on the similar time protect and promote this Arab custom.
He mentioned the membership strives to place falconry as a significant heritage vacationer attraction, fostering nationwide delight and interesting youthful generations in a aggressive however energetic surroundings.
The pageant additionally aligns with efforts to advertise environmental conservation and defend wildlife, Al-Shamaisi added.
He mentioned the pageant has earned a spot within the Guinness World Information 3 times for internet hosting the world's largest gathering of falcons.
This yr, the competitors will final 17 days and have 138 rounds, with greater than 900 prizes up for grabs, totaling 36 million rupees ($9.6 million).
Along with the principle competitions, the pageant will characteristic a number of complementary occasions.
Membership spokesperson Walid Al-Taweel mentioned one of many highlights would be the Falconer of the Future Pavilion, which goals to interact and educate the following era of falconers.
This initiative will incorporate interactive actions that can mix trendy applied sciences with conventional falconry information, historical past and looking methods.
Al-Taweel mentioned the pageant will characteristic 10 inner pavilions displaying falconry and looking tools, in addition to journey tools. These pavilions will provide a complete expertise to guests, combining authenticity with journey.
Al-Mellwah, the racing competitors, can have 49 qualifying rounds, whereas the Mazayen competitors will characteristic six rounds for falcons from worldwide manufacturing farms, in addition to particular rounds for younger rising falconers.
Falconers will compete for prestigious prizes, together with the King Abdulaziz Cups and the coveted King's Sword, underscoring the pageant's position in celebrating the cultural heritage of falconry and pushing the boundaries of the aggressive spirit.