Trailblazing Saudi Women Excel at Riyadh Falconry Festival

Saudi Arabia’s rich falconry history witnessed a groundbreaking moment when women falconers took center stage at the prestigious Riyadh Falconry Festival. These talented women showcased their expertise in this ancient Arabian sport at the festival. Their remarkable performance marked a most important milestone in the kingdom’s cultural progress sports in Saudi Arabia.

Women who became skilled at falconry gathered at the heart of Riyadh for this prestigious event. Their participation challenged traditional norms and created opportunities for future generations of Saudi women in traditional sports. These accomplished falconers demonstrated their talents with their male counterparts and proved themselves as equal guardians of this cherished cultural heritage.

Breaking Barriers in Traditional Sport

Saudi Arabia’s traditional falconry scene has transformed as women break new ground in this ancient sport. Athari Alkhaldi made history by becoming the first Saudi woman to qualify and compete in the Middle East’s premier falconry competition. Her success proves women can thrive in this traditionally male-dominated field.

Women’s growing participation at the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, north of Riyadh, has led to a milestone achievement. The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2024 now features its first-ever women’s round. This prestigious event offers a substantial prize pool exceeding SAR36 million and hosts 138 competitive rounds.

Huda Al-Mutairi stands as a remarkable pioneer among the participants. She became the first Saudi falconer with a disability and has already secured first-place victories in previous competitions. Her success story highlights the Kingdom’s modern falconry’s inclusive nature. The festival strengthens women’s participation through:

• Professional competition opportunities under strict regulations
• Dedicated training programs
• Recognition of women’s achievements in the sport

The Saudi Falconry Club’s efforts match perfectly with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which focuses on strengthening women and preserving cultural heritage. Festival spokesman Waleed Al-Taweel emphasized this commitment. He stated that celebrating women’s participation reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to enable women in all areas.

Competition Details and Preparations

The world’s largest gathering of falcons is happening right now at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. This year’s King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2024 runs through December 19 and has already broken three Guinness World Records for falcon participation. The prize money is a big deal as it means that SAR36 million will be awarded to winners.

The competition has a well-laid-out structure with 138 rounds that include:

• 49 qualifying heats for local participants
• 6 rounds for internationally bred falcons
• 73 heats for the King Abdulaziz Cups and King’s Sword competitions

Competitors showcase their skills in Al-Mellwah (falcon racing) and Mazayen (falcon beauty pageant) categories. Local falconers can register from November 28 to 30, while international participants have their registration window from December 4 to 9.

The event’s highlight is a thrilling 200-meter dash where specialized falcon breeds compete. These breeds include Hur, Shaheen, Gyr Pure, Gyr Shaheen, Gyr Taba, and Mathlooth Gyr. The competition maintains Olympic-level standards by testing all winning birds for performance-enhancing substances.

High-tech equipment plays a vital role in determining winners accurately. The photo finish technology captures thousands of frames per second. Visitors can explore interactive experiences and dedicated pavilions that showcase the latest falconry gear and hunting equipment.

Impact on Saudi Women’s Sports

Saudi Arabia’s traditional sports scene has changed dramatically with women’s growing involvement. Female sports participation has shown a remarkable 150% increase since 2015. This surge demonstrates the nation’s steadfast dedication to include women in all sports.

Women’s success in falconry has sparked a sports revolution throughout Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 has achieved notable milestones in women’s sports:

• Over 330,000 registered female athletes in sports of all types
• Establishment of 500+ women’s sports centers
• Introduction of 37 women’s national teams
• Appointment of 104 female board members in sports organizations

Saudi Falcons Club demonstrates its commitment to enable women and preserve cultural heritage by dedicating a special round for women in the falconry festival. This program supports broader efforts to involve women in traditional sports while maintaining professional standards and strict regulations.

These changes reach far beyond mere numbers. Women like Kholod Alothman have experienced personal growth through falconry. She notes that “falcons are a symbol of strength and women are strong by nature”. This sentiment resonates throughout the sports world, where Saudi women increasingly lead various sports federations and international organizations.

Women’s success in falconry reflects the Kingdom’s overall advancement in sports. Female participation now trails men by just 2%, marking a historic milestone in Saudi Arabia’s path toward sports equality.

Saudi Arabia’s falconry tradition has reached a historic milestone as women falconers take their rightful place in this ancient sport. Their remarkable participation at the Riyadh Falconry Festival represents a defining moment that surpasses sport and reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader cultural development. These groundbreaking women falconers demonstrate through their skill and dedication that excellence has no gender limits.

The numbers paint an impressive picture. The festival features dedicated women’s competition rounds with prize pools that reach SAR36 million, which shows Saudi Arabia’s steadfast dedication to inclusive sporting traditions. Leaders like Athari Alkhaldi and Huda Al-Mutairi inspire future generations, while new technology ensures fair competition at elite levels.

This shift reaches way beyond the reach and influence of falconry. Female sports participation has jumped 150% since 2015. Saudi women now lead 37 national teams and serve in over 100 board positions in sports organizations. These achievements perfectly match Vision 2030’s goals. Their success in falconry represents a wider movement toward equal opportunities in Saudi sports, which points to an even brighter future for women athletes throughout the Kingdom.