RIYADH: The ninth King Abdulaziz Camel Festival began on Sunday in Al-Sayahid in the southern part of Al-Dahna Desert under the theme “Pride of its People.”

The event continues its mission to preserve and promote the camel as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s cultural identity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Camel Club Chairman Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen said the one-month festival reflects the significant attention the Saudi leadership gives to national heritage.

He added that this year’s edition is set to be the largest and most diverse in the festival’s history, with more activities and participants.

Bin Hathleen said various cultural and heritage activities blending authenticity with innovation will take place, including camel beauty competitions that attract owners and visitors from around the world.

He emphasized cultural attractions such as the Aqilat Museum, which offers insights into the Arabian Peninsula’s history, and exhibitions that celebrate the creativity of Saudi artisans.

Visitors can engage in interactive experiences such as camel riding, milking and feeding.

Bin Hathleen said poetry holds a central role at the festival, with a poetic duel — a prominent traditional art form — expected to captivate enthusiasts in a lively, engaging atmosphere.

There will also be innovative competitions that highlight camel heritage through photography and filmmaking, presented in a contemporary style to appeal to younger generations.

RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Club has finalized preparations for the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, scheduled to take place from Dec. 3 to 19 at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh.

Recognized as the largest world’s gathering of falcons, the festival will feature a distinguished group of falconers, including amateurs, professionals and falcon owners from Saudi Arabia and abroad.

They will compete in Al-Mellwah (falcon racing) and Mazayen (falcon beauty pageant) competitions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The club's CEO, Talal Al-Shamaisi, said that the festival’s primary aim is to advance falconry as a cultural hobby while preserving and promoting this Arab tradition.

He said that the club strives to position falconry as a major heritage tourism attraction, fostering national pride and engaging younger generations in a competitive yet spirited environment.

The festival also aligns with efforts to promote environmental conservation and protect wildlife, Al-Shamaisi added.

He said that the festival has earned a spot in the Guinness World Records three times for hosting the world’s largest gathering of falcons.

This year, the competition will span 17 days and feature 138 rounds, with more than 900 prizes up for grabs, totaling SR36 million ($9.6 million).

In addition to the main competitions, the festival will feature various accompanying events.

The club’s spokesman, Walid Al-Taweel, said that one of the highlights will be the Falconer of the Future Pavilion, aimed at engaging and educating the next generation of falconers.

This initiative will incorporate interactive activities blending modern technologies with traditional falconry knowledge, history and hunting techniques.

Al-Taweel said that the festival will have 10 internal pavilions displaying falconry and hunting gear, as well as trip equipment. These pavilions will offer a comprehensive experience for visitors, combining authenticity with adventure.

Al-Mellwah, the racing competition, will have 49 qualifying rounds, while the Mazayen competition will feature six rounds for falcons sourced from international production farms, in addition to special rounds for emerging young falconers.

Falconers will compete for prestigious prizes, including the King Abdulaziz Cups and the coveted King’s Sword, underscoring the festival’s role in celebrating the cultural heritage of falconry and pushing the boundaries of competitive spirit.