It is International Women’s Day, and boy did our Saudi ladies make an impression at the Riyadh Falconry Festival, a sport that has always seen the dominance of men. The prizing event, one of the main activities of the Saudi cultural heritage week, allows falconers from various parts of the kingdom, and other countries, to bring glory to their names.
This year’s edition of the festival, the Saudi women’s participation has hit record heights, and more than 10 women won the special prize in the Competition of the Ruler of Sharjah, Falcons Beauty Awards and best costume award in the event. Their presence marks the emergence of new Saudi society’s norms where women are breaking the glass ceiling and participating in societal and cultural activities. The Saudi government has always been dedicated to encouraging women, and this is another such step.
The women displayed great skill in the art of falconry which requires not only steady concentration but also great patience and a bond with the birds. Their presentation was not simply a demonstration of their skills but also brought to focus the place of falconry as a cultural practice in the Kingdom. Some of the women talked about how they came to learn falconry, the challenges they face and how they became respected members of the community of falconers.
As a result, the festival also allowed the members of the society to see other forms of falconry where both men and women trainers are involved in the falconry practice. These were also complemented by teaching activities about the significance of falconry in Saudi culture, its evolution and place in forming the country’s national identity.
Saudi Arabian women’s increasing involvement in previously male-dominated areas such as falconry indicates the country’s cultural transformation as Saudi Arabia develops its Vision 2030. The feat achieved by female falconers at the festival points towards changing times and the new role and place of women in Saudi Arabia’s social and cultural life. This allows women to grow into leadership positions and pursue their interests and goals freely and without restrictions. The Riyadh Falconry Festival has emerged to be more than just a commemoration of a time-honored tradition; it has transformed into a space where the skills and accolades of Saudi women – who are at the forefront of making a change and shaping new era in the kingdom - are on display.
