Horse breeding and falcon keeping have deep roots in Northern Borders Region, long tied to the lives of its people and its desert setting, and have grown over time into activities with cultural, heritage, economic and tourism value.

The region's geography and northern position give falconry a special place. It is one of the historic areas where the practice has thrived and lies on an important migration route for falcons and wild birds, attracting falconers from across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.

Turaif Governorate is a main center of this heritage. Its Falcon Festival has become an annual event for falcon owners, enthusiasts and the curious, combining competitions with cultural and heritage programs and side activities. The governorate is also known for the traditional handmaking of falcon-hunting nets, a seasonal source of income for some craftsmen that peaks during the falcon migration season from September to November.

In a related step, the region recently recorded its first successful falcon breeding, supervised by the regional branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.

Horses are another expression of local heritage. Owners take a particular interest in purebred Arabian horses, providing suitable settings for breeding and training them and taking part in equestrian events and related occasions.