Slovak breeder Hatem Murad has returned to the International Falcon Breeders Auction in Riyadh with 10 falcons, crediting the Saudi Falcons Club for the success of last year’s event. Murad, owner of Abu Murad Falcon Farm in Slovakia, praised the club’s excellent facilities and the opportunities it provides for breeders and falconers from around the world. His participation this year underscores the growing international appeal of the auction, which is held annually under the auspices of the Saudi Falcons Club.
Context and Background
The International Falcon Breeders Auction, now in its latest edition, takes place at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, from August 5 to 24. The event has become a key platform for falcon breeders globally, fostering cross-border collaboration and trade. Last year, Murad sold seven of his falcons—an 80% success rate—and he aims to replicate that achievement this year with birds priced between SAR10,000 and SAR20,000, which he describes as affordable for falconry enthusiasts.
Key Details
Murad’s falcons are competitively priced to attract both local and international buyers. He noted that the Saudi Falcons Club has facilitated invaluable connections with experienced Saudi and international falcon breeders, opening doors to investment opportunities in the Kingdom, Europe, America, and the Gulf. This reflects the club’s role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a central hub for falconry, a tradition deeply embedded in the region’s heritage.
Implications and Impact
The return of international breeders like Murad highlights the growing global recognition of Saudi Arabia’s leadership in falconry preservation and trade. The auction not only supports cultural heritage but also stimulates economic activity, attracting participants from diverse regions. Such events strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties between Saudi Arabia and Europe, particularly Slovakia, while promoting sustainable breeding practices and knowledge exchange.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The International Falcon Breeders Auction aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting cultural tourism, heritage preservation, and international partnerships. By showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to sustaining traditional practices like falconry, the event supports economic diversification and enhances Saudi Arabia’s global standing as a hub for cultural exchange and innovation in heritage conservation.
20 Questions
Q1. Who is Hatem Murad?
A1. Hatem Murad is the owner of Abu Murad Falcon Farm in Slovakia, a breeder participating in the International Falcon Breeders Auction in Riyadh with 10 falcons.
Q2. What is the International Falcon Breeders Auction?
A2. It is an annual event held by the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, north of Riyadh, where breeders from around the world sell and showcase falcons.
Q3. When is the auction taking place this year?
A3. The auction runs from August 5 to 24, 2024, at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh.
Q4. How many falcons did Murad sell last year?
A4. Last year, Murad sold seven of his falcons, representing an 80% success rate from his offered birds.
Q5. What is the price range of Murad’s falcons?
A5. His falcons are priced between SAR10,000 and SAR20,000, which he considers affordable for falconry enthusiasts.
Q6. Why did Murad credit the Saudi Falcons Club?
A6. He credited the club for providing excellent facilities and opportunities for breeders and falconers, which contributed to his success.
Q7. How does the auction benefit breeders like Murad?
A7. It connects them with experienced Saudi and international breeders, enabling investment opportunities in the Kingdom, Europe, America, and the Gulf.
Q8. Where is the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters located?
A8. The headquarters is in Malham, north of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Q9. What is the duration of this year’s auction?
A9. The auction spans 20 days, from August 5 to 24, 2024.
Q10. How does the auction support Saudi heritage?
A10. It preserves the tradition of falconry, a key aspect of Saudi cultural heritage, by promoting ethical breeding and trade.
Q11. What countries does Murad see investment opportunities in?
A11. He sees opportunities in Saudi Arabia, Europe, America, and the Gulf region through connections made at the auction.
Q12. Is the auction open to international participants?
A12. Yes, the auction welcomes breeders and buyers from around the world, fostering global collaboration in falconry.
Q13. What role does the Saudi Falcons Club play?
A13. It organizes the auction, provides top-tier facilities, and facilitates networking among breeders worldwide.
Q14. How does the auction align with Vision 2030?
A14. It promotes cultural tourism, heritage preservation, and international partnerships, supporting economic diversification under Vision 2030.
Q15. Are Murad’s falcons considered affordable?
A15. Yes, Murad prices his falcons between SAR10,000 and SAR20,000 to ensure accessibility for falconry enthusiasts.
Q16. What was Murad’s success rate last year?
A16. He sold 80% of his falcons, indicating strong demand and effective participation in the auction.
Q17. How does the auction benefit the global falconry community?
A17. It enables knowledge exchange, trade, and networking among breeders from different countries, strengthening the global falconry network.
Q18. What type of facilities does the Saudi Falcons Club provide?
A18. The club offers excellent exhibition spaces, care facilities for falcons, and logistical support for breeders and buyers.
Q19. Why is Murad returning this year?
A19. He returns due to last year’s success and the ongoing opportunities for sales and connections provided by the Saudi Falcons Club.
Q20. What is the broader significance of the auction?
A20. It showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving falconry as a cultural tradition while fostering international cooperation and economic growth.
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