Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Saudi Falcons’ Club has revealed details of the first version of the Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition, which will be held in Riyadh from Dec. 4 to 8.

The club issued a statement regarding the huge upcoming event, which is being organized under the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy prime minister, minister of defense, and the general supervisor of the Falcons Club.

The exhibition aims to preserve the national heritage of falcon hunting and make it a priority for young Saudis through their participation and presence at genuine traditional events.

More than 250 exhibitors will be participating in the exhibition from around the Kingdom, the GCC and the world at large, giving the event a global touch and allowing the delivery of the Saudi Falcons Club’s message in full.

The authorities will allocate 14,700 square meters of land to host the event, which will feature an innovative design that simulates the integrated experience of hunting trips and wildlife with all its components and paraphernalia to provide visitors with an authentic feeling and experience anticipated by falconry enthusiasts.

Dedicated spaces will be allocated for a number of booths and stalls that will introduce both wildlife and the hobby of falcon hunting in general.

In addition, there will be booths for hospitals and veterinary centers, hunting tools and equipment, individual firearms, camping equipment and land trips, falcon breeders, tracking devices, craftsmanship, virtual reality experience and many other elements related to falcon hunting.

The club announced the dedication of a council for falconers in an effort to make the exhibition an integrated experience for visitors both from the Kingdom and abroad, in addition to falcon enthusiasts and breeders. The exhibition will include a falcon auction and scientific lectures related to this field.

As part of the Saudi Falcons Club’s efforts to enrich the experience of visitors, a camel auction will be taking place alongside the exhibition. The auction will be tailored to suit the tastes of the people who embrace their heritage, whether they are falcon breeders or fans of camel sports, which is considered one of the oldest sports inherent in the Saudi national heritage in particular and the GCC region in general.

The organizing committee and exhibition execution team will be announcing the exhibition timings, participation details and the event’s activities for visitors in coming days.

The exhibition is one of the Falcons Club’s projects, which reflect the Kingdom’s interest in falcons and their breeders, as well as the cultural and environmental values and concepts of this unique cultural heritage. The exhibition also aims to preserve the hobby of falcon hunting and breeding, given that Saudi Arabia has been inscribed on the UNESCO’s list of falcon-breeding countries. The Kingdom is home of various types of local falcons and a pathway for others that migrate across the region.