Melwah Racing Concludes with SAR750,000 in Prizes in Riyadh

The Saudi Falcons Club concluded the 2024 Melwah Racing event at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, on October 13, 2024, awarding a total of SAR 750,000 in prizes to 30 winners. The six-day competition, which ran from October 8 to 13, brought together 287 falcons from 176 falconers across the Kingdom, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted cultural heritage in falconry.

Context and Background

Melwah Racing is a premier event in the Saudi falconry calendar, serving as a qualifier for three major upcoming tournaments: the Saudi Falcons Club Cup (November 13–20 in Hafar Al-Batin), the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival (November 28–December 14), and the AlUla Falconry Cup (February 9–15, 2025). These events form part of a broader effort by the Saudi Falcons Club to preserve and promote falconry as a living cultural tradition, aligning with the Kingdom’s commitment to heritage conservation under Vision 2030.

Key Details

The competition featured a standard 200-meter race format, with falcons competing in multiple rounds. In each round, the top five winners received cash prizes totaling SAR 100,000: first place earned SAR 30,000; second place SAR 25,000; third place SAR 20,000; fourth place SAR 15,000; and fifth place SAR 10,000. Falconers finishing sixth through tenth each received SAR 5,000. The total prize pool of SAR 750,000 was distributed across 30 winners, reflecting the event’s growing popularity and the high level of skill among participants.

Cultural and Economic Significance

Falconry holds a special place in Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity, with the Saudi Falcons Club actively working to support related activities and enable falconers to practice their hobby. The club encourages skill development through competitions like Melwah Racing, which also serve as platforms for local falconers to share experiences with peers from around the world. This cultural preservation supports tourism and local economies, particularly in regions like Malham and Hafar Al-Batin, where such events draw participants and spectators, boosting hospitality and related sectors.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The successful conclusion of Melwah Racing underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Vision 2030, which seeks to preserve the Kingdom’s cultural heritage while fostering community engagement and economic diversification. By investing in traditional sports like falconry, the Kingdom is not only safeguarding its historical legacy but also creating sustainable opportunities for local communities. As the qualifying season for major festivals continues, the Saudi Falcons Club remains dedicated to promoting falconry as a vibrant part of the nation’s identity, contributing to a more prosperous and culturally rich future.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the total prize pool for the 2024 Melwah Racing?

A1. The total prize pool for the 2024 Melwah Racing was SAR 750,000, awarded to 30 winners across multiple rounds of the competition.

Q2. Where was the 2024 Melwah Racing held?

A2. The event was held at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, from October 8 to 13, 2024.

Q3. How many falcons competed in the 2024 Melwah Racing?

A3. A total of 287 falcons from 176 falconers participated in the competition, showcasing significant interest and participation.

Q4. What is the distance of the race in Melwah Racing?

A4. The race distance is 200 meters, with falcons competing in a straight-line sprint to the finish.

Q5. How many winners received prizes in the 2024 Melwah Racing?

A5. A total of 30 winners received cash prizes, with the top ten in each round earning financial rewards.

Q6. What was the prize for first place in each round?

A6. The first-place winner in each round received SAR 30,000, as part of the SAR 100,000 total prize for the top five finishers per round.

Q7. Which major event does Melwah Racing qualify falconers for?

A7. Melwah Racing serves as a qualifier for the Saudi Falcons Club Cup, scheduled for November 13–20 in Hafar Al-Batin.

Q8. Which festival follows the Saudi Falcons Club Cup?

A8. The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival follows, running from November 28 to December 14, 2024.

Q9. When is the AlUla Falconry Cup scheduled to take place?

A9. The AlUla Falconry Cup is scheduled for February 9 to 15, 2025, as a major event in the falconry season.

Q10. Who organized the 2024 Melwah Racing event?

A10. The event was organized by the Saudi Falcons Club, the primary body promoting falconry heritage in the Kingdom.

Q11. What is the main purpose of the Saudi Falcons Club?

A11. The club aims to preserve and promote Saudi cultural heritage, support falconry activities, and enable falconers to practice their hobby.

Q12. How does Melwah Racing support skill development?

A12. Melwah Racing encourages skill development by providing a competitive platform where falconers can test and improve their training techniques.

Q13. What cultural significance does falconry have in Saudi Arabia?

A13. Falconry is a deep-rooted cultural tradition in Saudi Arabia, reflecting the Kingdom’s heritage and connection to nature and Bedouin history.

Q14. How does the Saudi Falcons Club promote international participation?

A14. The club enables falconers to participate in local and international festivals, fostering cultural exchange and sharing of experiences with global peers.

Q15. What is the economic impact of falconry events like Melwah Racing?

A15. Such events boost local economies by attracting participants and spectators, supporting hospitality, tourism, and related businesses in host regions.

Q16. How does Melwah Racing relate to Vision 2030?

A16. Melwah Racing aligns with Vision 2030 by preserving cultural heritage, promoting community engagement, and supporting economic diversification through traditional sports.

Q17. What is the format of the competition in Melwah Racing?

A17. Falconers race their birds over a 200-meter course, with winners determined by speed and performance in each round.

Q18. Are there any age or experience requirements for participants?

A18. The competition is open to falconers of varying skill levels, as the club encourages broad participation to develop talent and preserve the tradition.

Q19. How does the prize structure incentivize participation in Melwah Racing?

A19. The prize structure rewards top performers with significant cash awards, incentivizing falconers to train and compete at high levels.

Q20. What are the future plans for falconry events in Saudi Arabia?

A20. The Saudi Falcons Club plans to continue hosting qualifying events and major festivals, expanding the sport’s reach and cultural impact under Vision 2030.

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