Falconry, a living heritage captured through the lens of Saud Al-Babtain’s Afghan journey
Al-Babtain describes falconry as “a school of unwritten values transmitted through practice rather than texts
More than a hunting expedition, the documentary “Saud Abdulaziz Al-Babtain’s Hunting Trip 2025-2026” offers a compelling visual narrative of a centuries-old Gulf tradition that continues to shape cultural identity across the region.
Broadcast on Al-Bawadi TV and its digital platforms, the documentary takes viewers deep into the rugged landscapes of Afghanistan, where businessman and falconry enthusiast Saud Abdulaziz Al-Babtain embarked on a journey that blends adventure, heritage, and reflection.
Through sweeping desert vistas, intimate encounters with falconers, and meticulously captured moments of the hunt, the film explores the enduring bond between man, falcon, and nature. More importantly, it presents falconry not merely as a recreational pastime, but as a cultural institution deeply embedded in the history and values of Gulf societies.
More Than a Hobby
For Al-Babtain, falconry represents far more than the pursuit of game. It is a tradition rooted in patience, discipline, and respect for the natural world.
“Falconry is not a passing hobby,” he says. “It is a culture in itself. It teaches patience, discipline, and respect for nature. It is an extension of our identity, just as language is an extension of our memory.”
His words reflect a sentiment shared by generations of Gulf falconers who view the practice as a repository of inherited knowledge and unwritten values. In an age of rapid modernization, falconry remains one of the few traditions that continue to connect people directly with the rhythms of nature and the wisdom of their ancestors.
A School of Unwritten Values
The documentary highlights how falconry has evolved from a necessity for survival into a cherished cultural tradition. Yet despite changing times, its core principles remain unchanged.
Al-Babtain describes falconry as “a school of unwritten values transmitted through practice rather than texts.” According to him, the lessons learned in the desert, self-restraint, perseverance, responsibility, and humility, cannot be fully taught in classrooms or books.
These values are passed from one generation to the next through experience, observation, and mentorship, making falconry a living educational tradition as much as a sporting activity.
Nature as the First Teacher
One of the documentary’s strongest themes is the relationship between falconry and environmental stewardship. Al-Babtain rejects the notion that hunting and conservation are opposing concepts.
“The desert is not merely a place for practice,” he explains. “It is the first teacher. Anyone raised in falconry learns that nature is not something we own but something entrusted to us.”
This philosophy has become increasingly important as Gulf countries invest in wildlife reserves, habitat protection programs, and sustainable hunting initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity while safeguarding traditional practices.
According to Al-Babtain, true falconry is inseparable from environmental awareness. Responsible hunting, he argues, depends on understanding migration seasons, respecting ecological limits, and maintaining the natural balance that allows wildlife to thrive.
Preserving Heritage Through Film
Beyond documenting a personal journey, the film serves a broader purpose: preserving a vital aspect of Gulf heritage for future generations.
At a time when younger audiences consume culture primarily through digital media, documentary productions such as this provide an important bridge between tradition and modern storytelling. Through cinematic visuals and authentic narratives, the documentary introduces viewers to a heritage practice that has shaped Gulf life for centuries.
The production also reflects Al-Bawadi TV’s commitment to cultural programming that documents folklore, traditional lifestyles, and historical customs while presenting them in a format accessible to contemporary audiences.
Heritage in Motion
As the documentary unfolds across Afghanistan’s dramatic landscapes, viewers are reminded that falconry is not frozen in history. It remains a living tradition, adaptable, evolving, yet firmly anchored in values that have endured for generations.
In capturing this journey, “Saud Abdulaziz Al-Babtain’s Hunting Trip 2025-2026” becomes more than a record of a hunting expedition. It is a celebration of heritage, a reflection on humanity’s relationship with nature, and a tribute to a cultural legacy that continues to define the identity of the Arabian Gulf, reports Al-Rai daily.
For Al-Babtain and countless falconers across the region, falconry remains what it has always been: a way of life, a source of wisdom, and a timeless connection between the past and the future.
