Camel Racing, Falconry and Gulf Heritage Sports — 2026-10-08
The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2026 has opened near Riyadh, featuring expanded Melwah racing competitions and international exhibitors. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi has officially announced the dates for the 2026–2027 falconry hunting season, and Qatar is preparing to conclude its summer camel racing festival in October.
Camel Racing, Falconry and Gulf Heritage Sports — 2026-10-08
Top developments
International Saudi Falcons Exhibition 2026 Opens Near Riyadh
The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2026 opened on October 2, 2026, at Malham, north of Riyadh, running until October 10. The event spans 197,000 square meters and hosts 254 exhibitors from 20 countries, blending falconry heritage with adventure tourism and cultural crafts. This expansion positions Riyadh as a central hub for global falconry enthusiasts, integrating traditional practices with modern exhibition standards.
Expanded Melwah Racing at Saudi Falcons Expo
A key highlight of the current Riyadh exhibition is the expansion of Melwah (falcon) racing, which launched on October 4, 2026. The competition features 12 rounds across two categories—owners/amateurs and elite/professionals—and covers six types of falcon chicks. This year’s edition introduces new experimental categories to broaden participation, signaling a move to make the sport more accessible while maintaining elite competitive standards.
Abu Dhabi Announces 2026–2027 Falconry Season
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) officially announced that the traditional falconry hunting season will run from October 20, 2026, to January 31, 2027. Licensed falconers can hunt captive-bred Houbara bustards in permitted areas, with applications available via the TAMM platform for an AED 127 licence. This regulatory framework ensures sustainable hunting practices while preserving the cultural heritage of falconry in the UAE.
Qatar’s Summer Camel Festival Concludes
In Qatar, the 2026 Summer Camel Racing Festival is set to conclude on October 19, 2026, at the Al Shahaniya racetrack. The final days will feature 18 races divided between morning and afternoon sessions, marking the end of a seasonal competition cycle that keeps camel racing active during the hotter months. This event serves as a critical bridge between the summer training period and the upcoming major winter festivals.
Local view
Local media outlets in Saudi Arabia are highlighting the diversity of activities at the Riyadh exhibition, with Al-Jazirah Online noting the introduction of new racing categories to attract amateur participants. In Qatar, Al-Sharq emphasizes the logistical organization of the final races at Al Shahaniya, underscoring the continued popularity of camel racing despite the summer heat. These reports reflect a regional effort to professionalize heritage sports by expanding entry-level competitions and ensuring rigorous scheduling for major events.
Context & numbers
The International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition covers 197,000 square meters and hosts 254 exhibitors from 20 countries. The Melwah racing competition within the exhibition includes 12 rounds across six falcon chick types. In Abu Dhabi, the falconry licence fee for the upcoming season is set at AED 127. Qatar’s summer festival finale will feature 18 races over the final days.
On the radar
- Qatar Summer Festival Finale: October 19, 2026 – Final 18 races at Al Shahaniya racetrack.
- Saudi Falcons Exhibition Closing: October 10, 2026 – Final day of the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition in Riyadh.
- UAE Falconry Season Start: October 20, 2026 – Official opening of the 2026–2027 licensed hunting season in Abu Dhabi.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
