Alula, Saudi Arabia (OTS/PRNewswire) – As part of its aim to preserve and celebrate traditional sports that have deep roots in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the region and beyond, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) will host the first-ever AlUla Falcon Cup.
- KSA-based and international falconers will compete for a total prize money of SAR 60 million (USD 16 million) at the AlUla Mughayra Heritage Sports Village from December 28 to January 5.
- The nine-day spectacle follows AlUla’s recent World Horse Archery Championships and the World Tent Pegging Championships and will attract both locals and tourists interested in historical sports.
The landmark sporting event, taking place from December 28 to January 5 at the Mughayra Heritage Sports Village in AlUla, will showcase the rich history, carefully practiced skills and important traditions of falconry to a global audience of falconers and tourists, as well as AlUla members. Bring community closer.
The inaugural AlUla Falcon Cup has already set records in falconry with an unheard of total prize money of SAR 60 million (USD 16 million) awarded to the winners of the various categories and competitions, including racing, hunting and beauty pageants. During the races, the falcons are measured using high-tech sensors that record their speed and performance. In beauty contests, each bird is evaluated according to specific criteria, with the winner receiving the highest rating from the judges.
Highlights of the AlUla Falcon Cup include the Falcon Race, held daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., and the “Best of Breed” Falcon Mazayen Show or Falcon Beauty Contest, held January 2-4 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m .
The event follows the successful hosting of the World Horse Archery Championship and the World Tent Pegging Championship at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla in November. The international event, held in collaboration with the Saudi Arabia Equestrian Federation (SAEF) and the World Horseback Archery Federation (WHAF), promoted AlUla as a hub for traditional equestrian and cultural sports, in line with RCU’s long-term goal of economics to diversify and promote the customs and culture of Northwest Arabia.
The success of these events complements the annual traditional sports competitions such as the AlUla Camel Cup, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup and the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Tournament, each of which brings a large and loyal fan base of local and international spectators and competitors to AlUla pull.
Falconry, like equestrian sports, has a long tradition in Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is the ancestral home of the Arabian horse breed, and horse riding is an integral part of Saudi culture and sport. Falconry, practiced for centuries, has long been an integral part of life in the region. Today, these birds of prey are trained primarily for competitions in which falconers demonstrate their mastery of the birds by using ancient techniques that have been used for generations.
The AlUla Falcon Cup is an opportunity to showcase Saudi identity and AlUla’s growing status as a leading destination for sports and heritage competitions. The AlUla Falcon Cup will invite competitors from neighboring countries and further afield, while spectators can enjoy a variety of activities.
Ziad Al Suhaibani, RCU sports director, said: “Our community in AlUla, as well as people from across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, share a great passion for traditional sports such as falconry, horseback riding, camel racing and more. The traditional sports, now popular for the spectacle, thrill and skill on display, were once an important part of life in the region. By celebrating its enduring appeal, RCU reinforces AlUla’s status as a leading destination for promoting the culture, customs and legacy of our ancestors.”
“The inaugural AlUla Falcon Cup will provide nine days of spectacular action, showcasing the unique connection between birds and people, with some of the most talented falconers and beautiful falcons. The additional prize money totaling 60 million SAR (16 million USD), unprecedented in falconry, will make the competition even more exciting.”
The official X-Hashtags for the AlUla Falcon Cup are #AlUlaFalconCup and كأس_العلا_للصقور#. Follow the Royal Commission for AlUla on X for the latest updates @RCU_SA.
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Information on the Royal Commission for AlUla
The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) was established by royal decree in July 2017 to conserve and develop AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in northwestern Saudi Arabia. RCU’s long-term plan outlines a responsible, sustainable and sensitive approach to urban and economic development that preserves the region’s natural and historical heritage and makes AlUla a desirable place to live, work and visit. This includes a wide range of initiatives in the areas of archaeology, tourism, culture, education and the arts and reflects the commitment to the priorities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program in terms of economic diversification, the empowerment of local communities and to fulfill the preservation of cultural heritage.
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