The third Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition opened on Friday at the headquarters of the Saudi Falcons Club in Mulham, north of Riyadh.

The 10-day even, believed to be the largest of its kind in the world, includes pavilions devoted to hunting weapons, various species of falcons, the arts and family activities, along with shooting ranges, a Saudi village, and a digital museum. Organizers also promise a host of accompanying events and a few surprises for visitors.

Over the past few decades, falconers in Saudi Arabia have emerged as pioneers in breeding and preservation as the wider falconry industry has grown exponentially since its humble Bedouin beginnings. 

The Kingdom has a rich historical heritage and tradition of falconry. A common companion of a Bedouin traveler across the Arabian deserts, hunting with falcons was an integral part of the land for thousands of years as they helped provide nourishment for the weary traveler by catching prey.