Al-Melwah racing concluded on 9 October 2026 at the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition in Malham, north of Riyadh, with 60 winners recognised over six days. According to the Saudi Press Agency report carried by UrduPoint, SAR 723,000 in prizes covered the top five places in each of the twelve heats.
Two winners lead the final day
The closing day featured two heats for local owners and amateurs. In the Gyr-Shaheen heat, Ali Khalifa Al-Mansouri won with “8”, followed by Baddah Al-Dosari with “Hakem” and Rashed Al-Duaij with “018”.
In Gyr-Taba, Majed Al-Qahtani took first place with “Ateem”. Fahad Hajras Al-Dosari with “Jabr” and Fahad Mohammed Al-Dosari with “378” finished second and third.
Twice as many heats
The programme expanded from six heats last year to twelve: six for owners and amateurs and six for professionals and elite competitors. The expansion creates two competitive pathways, with five prize-winning places in each heat.
Across 200 metres from the starting point, known as the sanah, to the lure, or melwah, the race tests a falcon's speed and responsiveness. It also puts the falconer's training to a practical test, bringing a living heritage into a setting where performance and results can be followed.
From breeding farms to competition
Entry was restricted to young falcons purchased at the International Falcon Breeders Auction. This connection gives farm-bred falcons a direct place in competition: acquisition begins at the auction, training prepares the bird, and racing tests its abilities.
Alongside its awards, the expanded Al-Melwah programme offers a window into the practical skills of falconry. Racing ended on 9 October, while the exhibition programme runs through 10 October.