The first night of the Mongolian Falcons auction at the Saudi International Falconry and Hunting Exhibition 2025, held at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham north of Riyadh, witnessed the sale of two falcons arriving from Mongolia for the first time, with a total amount of 245,000 riyals.
A Qarnas-type Saker Falcon was sold for 115,000 riyals, and another Farkh-type Saker Falcon was sold for 130,000 riyals, amid a notable presence of falconers and enthusiasts of falconry.
Dedicating an area for Mongolian Falcons at the exhibition this year is a first of its kind, due to the prestigious status these falcons hold among falconers in the Kingdom and the region. They are distinguished by their high quality, large size, long wingspan, and endurance, in addition to the variety of their colors from light white to dark brown, making them among the most preferred types for both amateurs and professionals.
The Malwah race starts tomorrow and continues for six days, until the 10th of this month. Falconers compete daily in a special round to measure the speed and response of falcons over a distance of 200 meters towards the finish line (Malwah). The race witnesses the crowning of ten winners daily in 6 different categories held consecutively, including Furookh Shahin, Muthluth Jir, Jir Shahin, Jir Pure, Hor, and Jir Taba, bringing the total number of winners over six days to 60, with total prizes amounting to 600,000 riyals.
Mongolian Falcons
Mongolian falconry is a traditional practice, not a specific place, with a history deeply intertwined with the nomadic culture of Central Asia, particularly among the Kazakh eagle hunters of western Mongolia. For centuries, these hunters have formed unique partnerships with golden eagles, using them to hunt small game across the harsh winter landscape. This ancient tradition, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, continues to be passed down through generations.
Saudi International Falconry and Hunting Exhibition 2025
The Saudi International Falconry and Hunting Exhibition is an annual event celebrating the deep-rooted tradition of falconry in the Arabian Peninsula. The 2025 edition will showcase this ancient heritage, which dates back centuries as a vital hunting and cultural practice, through modern displays of falcons, hunting equipment, and related arts. It serves as a major gathering to preserve and promote this important aspect of Bedouin and Saudi culture.
Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center
The Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center is a major venue for trade shows, conferences, and cultural events in Saudi Arabia’s capital. It was established in the 1980s and has since played a significant role in the kingdom’s economic diversification and international business engagement. The center has undergone expansions to accommodate the growing demand for large-scale events in the region.
Malham
Malham is a village in the Yorkshire Dales, England, renowned for its dramatic limestone landscapes. Its key features include Malham Cove, a vast curved limestone cliff formed by glacial meltwater, and the nearby Gordale Scar, a deep limestone ravine. The area’s geology and history of sheep farming have shaped both its natural beauty and its cultural heritage.
Riyadh
Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, serving as the nation’s political and administrative center. Historically a walled oasis town and a significant trading hub, it became the capital of the modern Saudi state in the early 20th century after King Abdulaziz Al Saud captured the city, unifying the regions. Today, it is a modern metropolis and a major financial hub, known for its striking contemporary architecture alongside historic sites like the Masmak Fortress.
Qarnas-type Saker Falcon
This is not a place or cultural site, but a classification for a specific color morph of the Saker Falcon (*Falco cherrug*). The “Qarnas” type refers to a pale, sandy-colored variant of this large falcon, historically prized in the Arab falconry tradition. These birds are native to the arid regions of Central Asia and the Middle East.
Farkh-type Saker Falcon
The “Farkh-type Saker Falcon” is not a specific place or cultural site, but rather a distinct regional subtype of the Saker Falcon (*Falco cherrug*) found in Central Asia. Historically, these falcons have been highly prized for centuries in the practice of falconry, particularly within nomadic and royal cultures of the Middle East and the Mongolian steppes. They are renowned for their exceptional hunting ability and were often considered valuable assets and status symbols.
Malwah race
I am unable to provide a summary for “Malwah race” as it does not appear to refer to a recognized place, cultural site, or historical event. It is possible there may be a spelling error or a confusion with another term, such as the **Malwa** region, a historical and cultural area in central India.
