Canadian Farm’s Falcon Sells for SAR 1.3 Million at Saudi Auction

RIYADH — Fares Abdullah Al-Fares, representative of the Canadian farm participating in the 2026 International Falcon Breeding Farms Auction, confirmed that the sale of the falcon ‘Methlouth Al-Jeer Super White’ for SAR 1.3 million highlights its exceptional value and rare qualities. Producing a falcon of this level requires years of experience and dedicated efforts to develop breeding lines, he said.

Context and Background

The auction, organized under the patronage of the Saudi Falcon Club, serves as a prestigious platform for falcon breeders and enthusiasts worldwide. Al-Fares explained that the falcon sold during the seventh night of the auction was a top contender for a high price from the start, given its distinct features and superior quality. He added that his farm has participated since the first edition of the auction and is recognized for its excellence in falcon beauty competitions and racing events.

Key Details

This particular falcon became the second most expensive ‘Methlouth Al-Jeer’ in the history of the auction, meeting the expectations of both the seller and buyers. Al-Fares noted that the falcon was male; had it been female, the price could have been even higher, as premium female falcons are crucial for breeding programs, race preservation, and genetic development. The farm also sold another falcon specifically for racing at SAR 150,000, demonstrating the diverse demand for its production.

Implications and Impact

The success of this sale reflects the growing international trust in the Saudi auction as a competitive and credible venue. Previous transactions, including a falcon sold for SAR 1.75 million, underscore the auction’s role in setting benchmarks for the falconry industry. Al-Fares emphasized that his farm, one of the oldest in the world dating back to the early 1980s, has maintained and improved its breeding standards, with its lines serving as the foundation for several farms globally.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This achievement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to preserve cultural heritage while promoting economic diversification. The auction boosts the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for falconry and attracts international participants, fostering cultural exchange and supporting local enterprises. As the auction continues to draw high-value bids, it reaffirms Saudi leadership in this traditional yet evolving sector, contributing to the realization of the Vision’s goals of sustainability and global engagement.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the final sale price of the ‘Methlouth Al-Jeer Super White’ falcon?

A1. The falcon was sold for SAR 1.3 million during the seventh night of the 2026 International Falcon Breeding Farms Auction, making it the second most expensive ‘Methlouth Al-Jeer’ in the auction’s history.

Q2. Who is Fares Abdullah Al-Fares?

A2. He is the representative of a Canadian falcon breeding farm participating in the 2026 auction. He has been involved with the auction since its first edition and is an experienced figure in falcon breeding.

Q3. Why was this falcon considered exceptional?

A3. The falcon possessed rare qualities and superior characteristics, making it a top contender for a high price. Its lineage and quality placed it among the best in the auction, resulting in a record-breaking price.

Q4. How long did it take to breed a falcon of this caliber?

A4. According to Al-Fares, producing falcons at this level requires years of experience and continuous effort to improve breeding lines. The farm’s history dates back to the early 1980s, allowing them to develop such exceptional birds over time.

Q5. What is the significance of the farm’s breeding lines globally?

A5. The farm’s breeding lines serve as the foundation for several other breeding programs worldwide. This indicates the high genetic value and standard of the falcons produced by the Canadian farm.

Q6. Why would a female falcon have been more expensive?

A6. Female falcons are more valuable in breeding programs because they are essential for maintaining and developing lineages. Their genetic contribution is crucial for future generations, making them highly sought after by breeders.

Q7. What was the price of the other falcon sold by the same farm?

A7. The farm also sold a race-suitable falcon for SAR 150,000. This shows that their production meets various needs, from racing to breeding, and is appreciated by different market segments.

Q8. What is the 2026 International Falcon Breeding Farms Auction?

A8. It is an annual auction organized by the Saudi Falcon Club, providing a platform for falcon breeders worldwide to showcase and sell their birds. It is recognized as a prestigious event in the falconry community.

Q9. How many nights did the auction have?

A9. The article mentions the falcon was sold on the seventh night, indicating the auction spans multiple nights, each featuring different birds and opportunities for buyers.

Q10. Who is the target audience for this auction?

A10. The auction attracts falcon enthusiasts, breeders, and buyers from various countries. It serves as a meeting point for those interested in high-quality falcons, whether for racing, breeding, or cultural preservation.

Q11. What does the sale of the falcon indicate about the auction’s reputation?

A11. The high prices achieved, such as the SAR 1.3 million falcon and a previous SAR 1.75 million sale, demonstrate strong international trust in the auction as a competitive and reliable venue for top-tier falcons.

Q12. How does this auction support Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage?

A12. Falconry is deeply rooted in Saudi heritage, and the auction helps preserve and promote this tradition by bringing together global participants and highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to cultural preservation.

Q13. What is the role of Saudi Falcon Club in this event?

A13. The Saudi Falcon Club organizes the auction, ensuring it meets international standards. The club’s involvement adds prestige and credibility, attracting top breeders and buyers from around the world.

Q14. How does this event contribute to Vision 2030?

A14. The auction supports Vision 2030 by fostering cultural exchange, boosting the tourism and heritage sector, and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global standing. It also creates economic opportunities for breeders and related businesses.

Q15. What is a ‘Methlouth Al-Jeer’ falcon?

A15. It is a specific type of falcon known for its superior qualities, particularly in beauty and performance. The ‘Super White’ variant is a premium breed, making it highly prized among falconers and collectors.

Q16. Why was the falcon considered a top contender for a high price?

A16. The falcon’s superior characteristics, including its lineage, physical attributes, and health, made it stand out. The farm’s reputation for quality breeding also contributed to the high valuation.

Q17. How does the auction benefit falcon breeding farms internationally?

A17. The auction provides a global platform for farms to showcase and sell their best birds, helping them gain recognition and financial rewards. It also facilitates knowledge sharing and networking within the falconry community.

Q18. What challenges do breeders face in producing falcons like this one?

A18. Breeding such exceptional falcons requires extensive expertise, investment in quality care, and years of selective breeding. It also involves overcoming genetic diversity and health issues to produce top-tier birds.

Q19. What was the previous highest sale price mentioned in the article?

A19. The article mentions a falcon that was previously sold for SAR 1.75 million, indicating that high-value transactions are common at this auction, and successive years bring new records.

Q20. How does this auction promote positive international relations?

A20. By welcoming participants from various countries, the auction fosters diplomatic and cultural connections. It positions Saudi Arabia as a hospitable and influential leader in the falconry world, strengthening ties with global partners.

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