Malham
Malham is a locality north of Riyadh that serves as the headquarters of the Saudi Falcons Club. It hosts the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival and the Melwah falcon race.
The story of Malham
Malham lies north of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Published sources describe it mainly as the location of the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters, where the club holds its major events.
The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival took place there from 25 January to 3 February 2019 and was recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest falcon racing tournament in the world, with 1,723 falcons taking part. A later edition ran from 25 December 2025 to 10 January 2026.
The club also lists the Melwah racing season and falcon auctions in its annual calendar, though its announcement does not name a venue for each of them. Earlier history of the locality was not found in the sources consulted.
Falconry in Malham
Malham is the base of the Saudi Falcons Club, which organises the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival at its headquarters. The Club describes the festival as the largest falconry competition in the world.
The 2024 edition awarded prizes totalling SAR 36 million across the Al-Melwah race and the Al-Mazayen competition, with start and finish times recorded by timing equipment.
The Club's calendar also includes official auctions, such as the Saudi Falcons Club Auction and the International Falcon Breeders Auction. Saudi Arabia is among the countries on UNESCO's multinational Representative List entry for falconry.
The King Abdul Aziz Falconry Festival, held at Malham from 25 January to 3 February 2019, was recognised by Guinness World Records as the largest falcon racing tournament in the world, with 1,723 falcons taking part.
Saudi falconry festival secures Guinness world record (Gulf Business)Events here
Saudi Falcons Club Auction (wild-caught falcons)
Malham (Riyadh), Saudi ArabiaNext edition 01 October 2026 - 30 November 2026Last edition 2024●●●●●Saudi Falcons ClubFestivalFalconry onlyKing Abdulaziz Falconry Festival
Malham (Riyadh), Saudi ArabiaNext edition 17 November 2026 - 30 November 2026Last edition 2025●●●●●Saudi Falcons ClubChampionshipFalconry onlySaudi Falcons Club Cup
Malham (Riyadh), Saudi ArabiaNext edition 21 December 2026 - 28 December 2026●●●●●Saudi Falcons ClubAuctionFalconry onlyInternational Falcon Breeders Auction
Malham (Riyadh), Saudi ArabiaNext edition Around August 2027Last edition 2026●●●●●Saudi Falcons ClubChampionshipFalconry onlyMelwah Race
Malham (Riyadh), Saudi ArabiaDates to be confirmedLast edition 2026●●●●●Saudi Falcons ClubFairFalconry onlySaudi International Falcons & Hunting Exhibition
Malham (Riyadh), Saudi ArabiaNext edition Around October 2027Last edition 2026●●●●●National Center for Falcons / Saudi Falcons ClubList your business on the pages of the events you attend, so buyers and partners find you before the show.
- Saudi Falcons Club events announcement
- King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2024 (Riyadh Daily)
- Saudi falconry festival secures Guinness world record (Gulf Business)
- Falconry, a living human heritage (UNESCO)
Facts on this page come from the sources below, checked on the date of writing. Check with the organiser before travelling.