CULTURE & HERITAGE
Why is falconry important to Saudi culture?
Falconry has been an integral part of Bedouin tradition for 10,000 years and even now it still remains a vital part of Saudi culture...
Words by Sheila Russell
Practiced for more than 4,000 years, falconry is recorded many times throughout history. Christopher Columbus was accompanied by a falconer on his first trip to the New World and King Henry VIII of England was a keen falconer, as was his daughter Queen Elizabeth I. At one time the type of bird you could fly depended on your role within society. A king would fly a Gyrfalcon but a servant could only fly a Kestrel. They have also been given as gifts among rulers throughout time. In the Middle Ages falcons given as gifts from the Norwegian king were valued more highly than silver and gold. More recently in 2019, King Salman received a stunning white Artic Gyrfalcon as a gift.
Falconry is described as the traditional art and practice of training and flying falcons, eagles, hawks, buzzards and other birds of prey. Originally a means of obtaining food, falconry has acquired other values over time and has been integrated into communities as a social and recreational practice and as a way of connecting with nature. Today, it is practised by people of all ages in many countries.
Established in 2017, by royal order, the Saudi Falcons Club brings falconers under one roof to preserve and promote the historical heritage and traditions of the falconry culture in Saudi.
Deep-rooted in history, hunting with falcons to catch food was an integral part of daily life for thousands of years across the Arabian Peninsula. Now it is considered a sport and a hobby, playing an important role in the life of many families. Like any animal, the birds need daily care and attention. During the cooler winter months groups often travel for miles to partake in traditional hunting with their precious falcons. Hunting is very tightly regulated in Saudi, with strict rules overseen by the National Center for Wildlife governing all aspects. The season runs from 1st September to 31st January. Only those registered with the Saudi Falcons Club are allowed to participate in hunting season.
Watching the birds in their natural environment is a joy for many. The thrill of the chase, the bird swooping through the air in a masterful way and then catching the prey. It is an art and a sport.
Likewise, racing the birds is popular too and falconers travel great distances to compete at prestigious competitions. Every year the Saudi Falcons Club hosts its annual races, north of Riyadh near Malham. Melwah racing is all about flying low and fast in a straight line between two points. Anticipation builds as the falconer holds the bird up on his arm and removes the hood from its face. Now the bird can see the lure being swung on a long rope in the distance. The clock is ticking, there is only one minute allowed for the bird to see the lure and take off. As the bird flies through the invisible beam the timer starts. 400m beyond this point there is another beam that the bird flies through just before it catches the lure. The fastest birds fly low to the ground and straight ahead.
Watching the action is exciting: the shouts and screams of joy and disappointment echoing around the room. It’s fast and exciting, live pictures being streamed into homes all over the Gulf. Even though this is one of the oldest of sports, the technology involved is super sophisticated. In the same way split second photographs are taken of horseracing, so too are the birds snaped. Huge prize money is on offer for those with the swiftest birds and competitors travel from far and wide to attend. The races last for 2 weeks in October, the competition, culminating with the big prizes at the end.
Also in October, the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition unites the heritage of falconry, hunting and spending time outdoors in a cultural and entertainment event. A big hit with the whole family, there is something for everyone. The large selection of falcons is always popular, along with hunting and camping equipment together with all sorts of desert vehicles.
The International Falcon Breeders Auction (IFBA) also held at Malham. It’s one of the biggest auctions in the region, as it attracts sellers and buyers from around the world. In 2021 a white Gyrfalcon was sold for $466,667 (1.75 million Saudi riyals) , breaking all records. The auction takes place annually in August, before the racing season starts.
Winter is certainly the time for all things falconry as the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival gets going in late November through to mid-December. Here again you can enjoy the thrill of these prized birds being raced against the clock. Informative displays at the festival include information on all things connected with falconry, from history through the ages, to how birds fly and modern technology used to care for them. It is also the chance to meet the next generation of falconers who are always keen to share their passion with visitors.
Falconry in Saudi is not just about competitions and auctions, it’s about conservation too. In 2020 the Saudi Falcons Club launched the HADAD program to return falcons to their original habitat and preserve the population in the wild. The first of its kind in the kingdom, this programme has several stages. Falcons donated by local breeders are released into areas where wild falcons need a mate. Regional teams monitor these areas and keep watch over the birds. Success is growing with many chicks born under the program. As populations grow it is hoped that one day visitors can be taken to see these majestic animals in the wild.
Practical information
Visas
It’s surprisingly simple and easy to get an e-Visa for Saudi and the process is very similar to applying for an ESTA for the USA. Over 50 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, including people from the UK and USA, with it costing (at the time of writing) 535 Saudi riyals (about £115 or US$143). Applications are swift and nearly all applicants will receive a response within three working days – most within 24 hours. To apply for your Saudi e-Visa, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website. If you’re from the USA, UK or the Schengen Area, you can also apply for a visa on arrival into Saudi. It’s slightly cheaper than an e-Visa, too, at SAR480 (about £102 or US$128).
Getting there & around
Local customs
To really embrace Saudi life and pay respect towards its traditions, there are a few local customs you should abide when travelling around the country. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their elbows and below their knees when out in public. If you’re heading to the coast, it’s still expected you dress modestly. When meeting and greeting locals, whether it’s a market stallholder or a private guide, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be upon you’, as well as offering a handshake.
Weather
You might think it’s hot all year round in Saudi but it’s a little more nuanced than that. The best time to visit the country is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime, depending on where in the country you are, and rarely exceed 30°C. The summer months between June and September can get extremely hot, with temperatures often north of 40°C. But, do as the locals do and head out after dusk when it’s much cooler!
Is English spoken in Saudi?
Arabic is the official national language but English is widely spoken.
What is the currency of Saudi?
The currency of Saudi is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around SAR4.76 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths.
What’s it like travelling in Saudi as a female?
We think you’d be surprised! To find out more, read our first-hand account on what it’s like to travel in Saudi.
What’s the time difference in Saudi?
Saudi follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.
