Manama: The international rounds of the 11th Nasser bin Hamad Falconry and Hunting Season were held at the Falcon Grounds south of Bahrain International Endurance Village, featuring nearly 250 birds and falconers from across the GCC. Saudi falconers dominated most of the rounds, with strong participation from Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.
According to Bahrain News Agency, in the Gyr Falcons - Qarnas category, Kuwaiti Ahmed Yousif Abdullah claimed first place, followed by Saudis Hameed Al Barghash Al Mansoori and Mohammed Falah Al Hamdhawi. In the Gyr Falcons - Furokh category, the UAE team Nad Shiba secured first place, while Saudis Nasser Al Qahtani and Abdulrahman bin Saad Al Shumaisi took second and third place, respectively.
The Falcons - Qarnas round saw a Saudi sweep, led by Hameed Al Barghash Al Mansoori, with team "Shaja'a" securing second place and Fahad Mohamed Al Mansoori taking third. In the Hurr Falcons - Qarnas category, the Saudi team "Shaja'a" claimed first place, followed by Ahmed Muqad Al Mutairi and Sultan Abdullah Al Mutairi.
In the Hurr Falcons - Furokh category, Kuwaiti Ahmed Mutlaq Aba Al Qulub emerged victorious, with Qatari falconers Mohammed Jaber Al Hanzab and Muhanna Mohamed Al Dosari taking second and third place. The Falcons - Furokh round saw Saudis Hamad Mohsen Al Merri and Saeed bin Nasser Al Merri securing first and second place, with Qatari Jasim Fahad Al Kuwari in third.
The Mixed Gyr - Qarnas round was led by Saudi Omar Seraj Al Sufyani, followed by Ali Abdullah Al Mallakh and Dhafer Salem Al Merri. The wide GCC participation underscores the event's strong international standing, with the high level of competition and number of participants confirming the success of the international rounds in promoting heritage and sport.