Sports

Falconry: From Hobby to Business

In commemoration of the falcons, memories return to Jabal al-Hawara, Jabal al-Adheeb, and Jabal Shar’an, about which Jamil bin Muammar (Jamil Buthaina) says

Published

One year ago

December 24, 2024

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

In commemoration of the falcons, memory returns to Jabal al-Hawara, the mountains of al-Adheeb and the mountains of Shar’an, about which Jamil bin Muammar (Jamil Buthaina) says in the introduction to his poem:

And when the hill of Al-Majz appeared and the peaks of the trees turned away, the ibex would fall upon them

That stage, in which the practice of falconry was merely a hobby and not for the purpose of hunting, is returning with the presence of falcons within a comprehensive national development renaissance, until cultural elements have become on par with the industrial sector, which is a comparative case in the great transformation in this sector.

Since the announcement of the nation’s Vision 2030, which included falcons as one of its elements, and the establishment of the Falconry Club, this sport has been transformed from a hobby that begins with bringing the bird out and teaching it and then hunting with it, into a source of income for owners, not only for citizens, but for everyone who can participate, with the allocation of special competition tracks for citizens, so that this care extends to preserving the ecological balance from overhunting, determining seasons and issuing licenses to ensure the sustainability of hunting and the reintroduction of prey that became extinct or were close to becoming a memory of the environment.

Falconry was not a highly investment-oriented sport, despite the existence of a market for selling falcons and houses for summering and caring for them for a certain period. However, after the establishment of the club, which was born large and with a high degree of empowerment of national expertise to manage events related to falcons, it presented this sport in a professional manner that reflects its authenticity and status among the people of the country on the one hand, and on the other hand the efficiency of the people of the country and their interest in this historical heritage.

Over the years, I have attended the events of the Saudi Falcons Club, which are held at its permanent headquarters in Malham. Every year, the efficiency of those in charge of these successive events is evident, creating a competitive environment in many aspects of falconry, expanding the circle of opportunities to win to ensure the sustainability of this sport. What is striking about it is the increase in the number of those joining this cultural field, and the emergence of local production farms, in addition to Saudi trainers.

Likewise, the medical care provided by the Falcons Club in the club’s competitions, and the creation of a suitable environment for birds coming from outside the Kingdom to adapt to the local environment, are details whose dimensions can only be understood by those who have experienced it firsthand, reflecting the great interest of those in charge of the club.

The other aspect, which is an important element, is manifested in enabling the local architectural identity – Salmanite architecture – in preparing the club’s site and the fine details within the participation platforms, whether it is related to sales centers, showrooms and auctions, or the Al-Malwah competition arenas, and the falcon beauty contest showroom, to link the authenticity of local architecture with historical sports, and to enhance the value of cultural identity with its various elements for the youth, and for the visitor as well, so that the definition is comprehensive for the national cultural pillars, and shows the real integration between them, to ensure their sustainability and to introduce them.

Watching falcons in displays, lures, auctions, and places to sell their equipment are attractive events in themselves. However, the environment is ripe for expanding this circle and creating additional paths to activate and invest in the sport of falconry, such as organizing falconry events through qualified and licensed organizers. Those wishing to participate can learn about the designated locations and times, and register for local hunting trips to experience a live experience that extends to getting to know the regions and environments of the Kingdom. This may be in specific seasons within the Royal Reserves, and may extend to the traditional method of hunting on camelback, to become an active element in the field of cultural, environmental, and sports tourism as well.

Falconry, a long-established cultural sport, has become an economic sport with the presence of an entity that sponsors and embraces this activity. It has created commercial opportunities for its owners and contributed to raising awareness and knowledge of this magnificent and beautiful bird. In addition, the site that was designated to be the home of this sport has a gate that deserves to be included in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest gate in the shape of a falcon, due to its direct indication of the identity of the place and the skill of its execution.

Master's in Heritage Management

Sports

Today's matches (Friday) in the Saudi and European leagues

Find out the schedule and times of the most important matches on Friday, January 30, 2026, and coverage of the Al-Nasr and Al-Kholoud matches in the Roshan League, and matches of the major European leagues.

Published

41 minutes ago

January 30, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

Football fans will be glued to their screens this Friday, January 30, 2026, as a series of exciting and competitive matches unfold across Saudi Arabia and Europe. The day features crucial encounters in the Saudi Professional League, which continues to attract global attention, as well as equally important fixtures in the German, Italian, and French leagues, guaranteeing a thrilling evening of football for fans of the beautiful game.

Saudi Roshan League: A battle for every point

The Saudi Professional League (SPL) is witnessing fierce competition in every round, having become one of the most prominent leagues in the region and Asia thanks to attracting international stars and its high level of competitiveness. Matches are no longer just about the title race; they have become intense tactical battles in the middle of the standings and the relegation zone. Every point becomes increasingly important as the season progresses, and today's matches clearly reflect this reality.

Saudi football fans eagerly await the match between Al-Kholoud and Al-Nassr, scheduled for 8:30 PM. Al-Nassr, one of the giants of Saudi football, enters every match with the sole aim of securing a victory to compete strongly for the top spot in the standings, while Al-Kholoud seeks a positive result against a tough opponent. In another match, Neom Damac at 6:50 PM, a crucial encounter for both teams as they look to improve their positions in the league table. Additionally, Al-Taawoun faces Al -Akhdoud at 4:50 PM in an early match promising a highly competitive encounter.

A European evening with different flavors

The excitement is not limited to Saudi stadiums, but extends to the Old Continent, where important matches are being held in three of the biggest European leagues.

In the German Bundesliga Cologne Wolfsburg , high-scoring affair, with both teams vying for three points to bolster their European ambitions or distance themselves from the relegation zone.
Italian League: All eyes turn to Italy, where Lazio face Genoa at 10:45 PM. Serie A is known for its tactical discipline, and this match will be a true test of both teams' ability to impose their style, especially for Lazio, who often compete for top positions.
French League: At the same time (10:45 PM), the French League will witness a match between Lens and Le Havre . The French League is considered a goldmine of footballing talent, and its matches are characterized by physicality and speed, making this encounter crucial in the context of competing for European places or securing survival in the top flight.

Today's match schedule, Friday, January 30, 2026:

Saudi Roshan League

Al-Taawon vs. Al-Akhdoud – 4:50 PM
Neom vs. Damac – 6:50 PM
Eternity vs. Victory – 8:30 PM

German League

Cologne vs. Wolfsburg – 10:30 PM

Italian League

Lazio vs. Genoa – 10:45 PM

French League

Lens vs. Le Havre – 10:45 PM

Sports

Al-Ahli regains two defenders ahead of their match against Al-Hilal in the Roshan League

Al-Ahli club will regain the services of its players Zakaria Hawsawi and Ali Majrashi in its anticipated match against Al-Hilal within the Saudi Professional League competitions.

Published

46 minutes ago

January 29, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

Al-Ahli Saudi FC is preparing for one of its most important matches of the season, receiving a significant morale and tactical boost ahead of its clash with arch-rival Al-Hilal in the 20th round of the Saudi Professional League. This boost comes in the form of the return of key defensive duo Zakaria Hawsawi and Ali Majrashi, following the completion of their suspensions due to accumulated yellow cards.

Historical background and importance of El Clásico

The Al-Ahli vs. Al-Hilal match, known as the "Saudi Clasico," is one of the oldest and most intense fixtures in Saudi football history. The rivalry between these two giants spans decades, and their encounters have always been fiercely contested and thrilling, both in domestic and continental competitions. This match holds particular significance this season, as Al-Hilal seeks to solidify its lead in the standings and extend its winning streak, while Al-Ahli, making a strong return to the Pro League, aims to prove its worth as a genuine contender for the top spots and close the gap with the leading teams.

The impact of Hawsawi and Majrashi's return

Al-Ahli suffered in their previous match against Al-Ettifaq due to the absence of full-backs Housawi and Majrashi. Despite securing a resounding 4-0 victory, their return represents a vital boost for German coach Matthias Jäissle's squad. Both players are known for their solid defensive capabilities and effective attacking contributions on the flanks, which will provide the team with greater balance against Al-Hilal's potent attack. The duo are expected to return directly to the starting lineup for the match at the Kingdom Arena, giving the coach more tactical options to manage this challenging encounter.

Expected impact at the local and regional levels

The impact of this match extends far beyond the local level, reaching a regional scale. With the Saudi Professional League attracting international stars, its major matches, such as this classic encounter, have become the focus of millions of viewers across the Middle East and the world. The result will not only influence the league title race but will also reflect the high level of competitiveness that Saudi football has reached. An Al-Ahli victory would reignite the title race, while an Al-Hilal win would confirm their absolute dominance this season, cementing the league's position as one of the strongest in Asia.

Sports

Al-Nasr's absences against Al-Kholoud: The team's challenges in the Roshan League

Al-Nasr faces a significant challenge in their match against Al-Kholoud in the Roshan League, given the absence of key players such as Brozovic and Ayman Yahya. How will the team cope with these circumstances?

Published

49 minutes ago

January 29, 2026

Saudi Arabia News - saudinews50

Al-Nassr faces a crucial match against Al-Kholoud in the 19th round of the Saudi Professional League, but they are hampered by a number of key absences that could affect their plans to secure a victory and maintain pressure on league leaders Al-Hilal. This match comes amidst an exceptional Saudi league season, which has garnered global attention thanks to the presence of international stars, intensifying the competition and making every point precious in the long race for the title.

Background of the competition and importance of the match

The Saudi Professional League is experiencing one of its most competitive seasons, with the battle for the top spot raging between the traditional powerhouses. Al-Nassr, led by their global star Cristiano Ronaldo, find themselves in a constant pursuit of their arch-rivals Al-Hilal. In this context, matches against teams in the middle or lower ranks, such as Al-Kholoud, are a true test of the team's ability to maintain focus and secure maximum points. Any slip-up in such encounters could widen the gap with the league leaders, a scenario neither the coaching staff, led by Portuguese manager Luis Castro, nor the Al-Nassr fans want to see.

List of absences and their expected impact

Al-Nassr faces this match with a depleted squad, missing some of its key players, leaving coach Castro in a difficult position to choose suitable replacements. The list of absentees includes influential names for various reasons:

Marcelo Brozovic (suspended): The absence of the Croatian star is the most significant, as he is the mastermind of the team's midfield. Al-Nassr will miss his ability to control the tempo of the game and link the lines, due to his accumulation of yellow cards.
Ayman Yahya (injury): The absence of the young Saudi winger represents a loss of quick attacking solutions on the flanks, as he is distinguished by his speed and ability to dribble.
Alex Telles (technical decision): The exclusion of the Brazilian left-back by coach Luis Castro raises questions about the technical choices, and the team will be deprived of his experience and ability to deliver accurate crosses.
Raghed Al-Najjar (not ready): The absence of a backup goalkeeper reduces the depth of options available on the bench in a sensitive position.

The biggest challenge: maintaining momentum

With these absences, the burden falls heavily on the remaining stars, especially Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Anderson Talisca, to lead the team to victory. This match will be a true test of Al-Nassr's squad depth and the ability of the substitutes to fill the void and deliver the required performance. A win is not just about three points; it's a powerful message that the team is capable of overcoming adversity and continuing to compete for the league title until the very end.