Saudi Falcons Center Honors Citizens for Hadad Program

The National Center for Falcons honored three Saudi citizens for their contributions to the Hadad Program, a national initiative aimed at returning falcons to their natural habitats and promoting community participation in wildlife conservation. The recognition ceremony took place during the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2026, where Deputy Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Al-Hababi honored Mutlaq bin Abdulrahman Al-Shalawi, Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thubaiti Al-Otaibi, and Hamad bin Saleh bin Suhail Al-Suhail for their dedication to preserving Saudi Arabia’s rich falconry heritage and supporting environmental sustainability.

Context and Background

The Hadad Program, launched by the National Center for Falcons, represents a strategic effort to reintroduce falcons into their natural environments while fostering community involvement in conservation. Falconry holds deep cultural significance in Saudi Arabia, symbolizing nobility, tradition, and a connection to the desert heritage. The program aligns with the Kingdom’s broader environmental goals and Vision 2030’s emphasis on sustainability and quality of life. By engaging citizens in the rehabilitation and release of falcons, the initiative strengthens national pride and environmental stewardship.

The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2026 serves as a premier platform for showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its cultural legacy while embracing modern conservation practices. This annual event attracts falcon enthusiasts, experts, and international participants, highlighting the Kingdom’s role as a leader in wildlife preservation and sustainable hunting practices.

Key Details

During the exhibition, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Al-Hababi presented awards to the three honorees: Mutlaq bin Abdulrahman Al-Shalawi, Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thubaiti Al-Otaibi, and Hamad bin Saleh bin Suhail Al-Suhail. Their contributions to the Hadad Program include active participation in falcon rehabilitation, release activities, and community outreach, which have been instrumental in advancing the program’s objectives.

The National Center for Falcons has extended an invitation to falcon owners to participate in the 2027 international falcon release by submitting Saker and Peregrine falcons that were not bred in captivity. Falcons are being accepted from August 18 to November 18, 2026, at the center’s headquarters in Malham, located north of Riyadh. This inclusive approach encourages broad participation and ensures the genetic diversity of released falcons.

All submitted falcons undergo thorough examination, rehabilitation, and assessment before being released into suitable natural habitats. Following release, the center conducts field monitoring to track the falcons’ adaptation and survival, ensuring the program’s effectiveness and informing future conservation strategies.

Implications and Impact

The Hadad Program’s success has significant implications for biodiversity conservation in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. By reintroducing falcons into the wild, the initiative helps restore ecological balance and supports the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental protection under Vision 2030. It also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in falconry and wildlife conservation, enhancing its cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.

Furthermore, the program engages local communities, raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats and sustainable practices. The recognition of these three citizens underscores the vital role of individual contributions in achieving national environmental goals and inspires others to participate in conservation efforts.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Hadad Program exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives by promoting environmental sustainability, community engagement, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Through initiatives like this, the Kingdom demonstrates its dedication to creating a greener, more sustainable future while honoring its rich traditions. As Saudi Arabia continues to lead in wildlife conservation, programs like Hadad will play a crucial role in ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving natural environment and a proud cultural legacy.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Hadad Program?

A1. The Hadad Program is a national initiative by the National Center for Falcons aimed at returning falcons to their natural habitats and promoting community participation in wildlife conservation across Saudi Arabia.

Q2. Who were the three citizens honored?

A2. Mutlaq bin Abdulrahman Al-Shalawi, Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al-Thubaiti Al-Otaibi, and Hamad bin Saleh bin Suhail Al-Suhail were honored for their contributions to the Hadad Program.

Q3. Who presented the awards?

A3. Ahmed Al-Hababi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Center for Falcons, presented the awards during the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2026.

Q4. What is the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition?

A4. It is an annual event that showcases Saudi Arabia’s falconry heritage and conservation efforts, attracting experts and enthusiasts from around the world.

Q5. What types of falcons are accepted for release?

A5. The center accepts Saker and Peregrine falcons that were not bred in captivity for the 2027 international falcon release.

Q6. When is the submission period for falcons?

A6. Falcons are being accepted from August 18 to November 18, 2026, at the center’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh.

Q7. Where is the center’s headquarters located?

A7. The National Center for Falcons headquarters is in Malham, situated north of Riyadh.

Q8. What happens to falcons before release?

A8. Falcons undergo examination, rehabilitation, and assessment to ensure they are healthy and ready for release into suitable natural habitats.

Q9. Is there monitoring after release?

A9. Yes, field monitoring is conducted to track the falcons’ adaptation and survival, ensuring the program’s effectiveness and informing future conservation strategies.

Q10. Why is falconry important in Saudi culture?

A10. Falconry is a traditional sport and symbol of nobility in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the Kingdom’s desert heritage and deep connection to nature.

Q11. How does the Hadad Program support Vision 2030?

A11. It aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting environmental sustainability, community engagement, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Q12. Can anyone participate in the program?

A12. Falcon owners are invited to participate by submitting falcons that meet the criteria, fostering broad community involvement in conservation.

Q13. What are the benefits of releasing falcons?

A13. Releasing falcons helps restore ecological balance, supports biodiversity, and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in wildlife conservation.

Q14. How does the program engage local communities?

A14. The program encourages community participation through outreach, education, and hands-on involvement in falcon rehabilitation and release activities.

Q15. What is the significance of the 2027 release?

A15. The 2027 release is part of ongoing efforts to sustain falcon populations and promote international cooperation in conservation.

Q16. Who oversees the Hadad Program?

A16. The National Center for Falcons oversees the Hadad Program, ensuring its alignment with national conservation goals.

Q17. Why are only non-captive-bred falcons accepted?

A17. Accepting non-captive-bred falcons ensures genetic diversity and supports the rehabilitation of wild falcons for release.

Q18. What role do falcon owners play?

A18. Falcon owners contribute by submitting falcons for rehabilitation and release, directly supporting the program’s conservation objectives.

Q19. How does the program enhance Saudi Arabia’s global standing?

A19. By leading in falcon conservation, Saudi Arabia demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship, enhancing its international reputation and cultural diplomacy.

Q20. What is the future outlook for the Hadad Program?

A20. The program is expected to expand, with continued community engagement and international partnerships, furthering Saudi Arabia’s conservation leadership and Vision 2030 goals.

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