The Saudi Falcons Club Cup 2025 is drawing growing numbers of international spectators to Alkhobar, where the high-speed “Melwah” heats are under way near Half Moon Bay.
he tournament, organised by the Saudi Falcons Club in cooperation with the Eastern Province Governorate, runs until 30 November, with cultural and educational activities continuing each evening at Dhahran Expo.
Among the visitors experiencing falcon racing for the first time was Jason Johnston, an Irish expatriate who has lived in the Eastern Province for a year and a half. Johnston said the event far exceeded his expectations.
“I’d never seen a falcon race before,” he said. “A Qatari friend of mine owned falcons, so I knew a little about the tradition, but seeing the birds on the track — the speed, the precision — was something completely different. The atmosphere from the crowd made it even more exciting.”
Johnston attended with his wife, Susan, after discovering the race venue was just minutes from their home. The family slipped in after their children’s morning school drop-off and arrived in time to watch the early heats. He said the accessibility of the event was a major factor in their decision to attend.
He added that witnessing falcons up close was a highlight. At home, he had watched them through binoculars during bird-watching trips, but seeing them sprint down the Melwah track in timed runs was “unforgettable”.
Both he and Susan noted the warm reception they received from organisers and spectators despite speaking little Arabic. “People were incredibly welcoming,” he said. “It made the experience even better.”
Susan Johnston praised the smooth organisation and the competitive energy surrounding the races. “We came out of pure curiosity,” she said, “and we’ve learned a lot — not just about the races but about the culture behind them.”
The 2025 Saudi Falcons Club Cup features 48 Melwah heats and more than SR10 million in prize money. Beyond the competition, the tournament offers a series of cultural and educational activities aimed at introducing visitors to the kingdom’s falconry heritage, from training demonstrations and falcon care practices to hands-on experiences suitable for families.
The event continues to attract a diverse international audience as Saudi Arabia promotes the traditional sport on a global stage.