A Saudi prince has become a social media sensation as recent images of his opulent flight with 80 falcons resurfaced, sparking diverse reactions from the public.
Initially dismissed as potentially photoshopped, the pictures turned out to be authentic, depicting the unconventional sight of 80 falcons accompanying passengers on a Middle Eastern flight during the winter of 2017.
The Saudi Prince, identified as Crowned Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, had reserved every seat on the plane exclusively for his treasured falcons, ensuring their journey was one of comfort and security. While this may seem surprising to some, such practices are commonplace in the Middle East, where falconry is deeply rooted in the culture, passed down through generations.
Falconry, a traditional sport of hunting with birds of prey, holds significant cultural and historical importance in the Arabian Peninsula, with a heritage dating back over 2,000 years. Falcons, particularly the Peregrine Falcon and Saker Falcon, are esteemed as status symbols among the wealthy in the region.
The tradition is so ingrained that these prized birds are legally granted passports, allowing them to travel to various nations, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and others. These bird passports were introduced in 2002 by the UAE to combat the illegal smuggling of falcons.
This episode unveils a captivating intersection between tradition and modernity, luxury and nature. It exemplifies how an ancient practice like falconry can seamlessly integrate into the contemporary world, even finding a place within the confines of an airplane cabin.
Crowned Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, renowned for his affinity for the finer things in life, stands out among the affluent, adding a touch of extravagance to the age-old tradition of falconry.
