Rare Super White Falcon Sells for SAR 1.3M at Saudi Auction

The Saudi Falcon Club’s International Falcon Breeding Farms Auction 2026 witnessed the sale of the most expensive falcon of the year, a ‘Malluth Gier Super White’ falcon, for SAR 1.3 million during its seventh night. The auction, held at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, brought together leading breeding farms from around the world, with a Canadian farm’s falcons fetching a combined SAR 1.45 million.

Context and Background

The auction is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to preserve and promote falconry, a deeply rooted cultural heritage in the Kingdom. Organized by the Saudi Falcon Club, the event serves as a global platform for breeders, falconers, and enthusiasts to trade elite birds. This year’s edition, running until August 25, 2026, has attracted significant international participation, reflecting the Kingdom’s role as a hub for falconry and its commitment to sustaining this traditional practice under Vision 2030’s cultural preservation goals.

Key Details

The first falcon of the evening, a ‘Gier Pure’ chick, opened bidding at SAR 40,000 and sold for SAR 150,000. The second falcon, a ‘Malluth Gier’ chick, sparked intense competition, with bidding starting at SAR 200,000 and climaxing at SAR 1.3 million—making it the second most expensive falcon in the auction’s history. Historically, the auction’s record sale remains a ‘Malluth Gier Pure Ultra White’ chick sold for SAR 1.75 million. Last year, a ‘Gier Pure Super White’ from a US farm fetched SAR 1.2 million, underscoring the growing value and demand for premium falcons.

Implications and Impact

The auction strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a global center for falconry, attracting breeders and buyers from Canada, the US, and beyond. It boosts the local economy through tourism and trade, while fostering international partnerships. The event’s live broadcasts on TV and social media extend its reach, promoting Saudi cultural heritage to a global audience and encouraging youth engagement in this historic sport.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This auction aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of preserving national heritage and diversifying the economy. By investing in falconry and hosting world-class events, Saudi Arabia showcases its rich traditions while building a sustainable sector that attracts visitors and investment. As the auction continues to break records, it underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to cultural stewardship and global leadership in this unique field.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the most expensive falcon sold at the auction?

A1. The most expensive falcon was a ‘Malluth Gier Super White’ type, sold for SAR 1.3 million. This marked the highest price of this year’s auction, highlighting the premium quality of the falcons presented and the strong demand among buyers.

Q2. How much did the two falcons from the Canadian farm fetch?

A2. The two falcons from a Canadian farm collectively sold for SAR 1.45 million. The first, a Gier Pure chick, went for SAR 150,000, while the second, a Malluth Gier chick, achieved SAR 1.3 million, demonstrating the high regard for Canadian breeding standards.

Q3. Where is the auction being held?

A3. The auction is held at the Saudi Falcon Club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. This location serves as a central venue for falcon enthusiasts, providing a spacious and accessible setting for this international event, which runs until August 25, 2026.

Q4. Who organizes the International Falcon Breeding Farms Auction 2026?

A4. The auction is organized by the National Falcon Center, also known as the Saudi Falcon Club. This governmental body is dedicated to preserving falconry heritage, regulating falcon trade, and promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural traditions both locally and internationally through events like this.

Q5. What was the starting bid for the first falcon sold?

A5. The first falcon, a Gier Pure chick, started with a bid of SAR 40,000. This opening bid set the stage for a competitive auction, and the falcon eventually sold for SAR 150,000, reflecting its quality and the interest from buyers.

Q6. How much did the second falcon start bidding at?

A6. The second falcon, a Malluth Gier chick, began bidding at SAR 200,000. This high starting price indicated its exceptional pedigree, and fierce competition drove the final sale price to SAR 1.3 million, making it the second most expensive falcon in auction history.

Q7. What was the most expensive falcon sold in the auction’s history?

A7. The most expensive falcon ever sold in the auction was a ‘Malluth Gier Pure Ultra White’ chick, which fetched SAR 1.75 million in a previous year. This record demonstrates the premium market for ultra-white falcons, which are prized for their rarity and beauty.

Q8. How many falcons were sold on the seventh night?

A8. On the seventh night, a total of two falcons were sold. Both came from the same Canadian farm. The first, a Gier Pure, sold for SAR 150,000, and the second, a Malluth Gier, achieved SAR 1.3 million, totaling SAR 1.45 million in sales for the evening.

Q9. Why is the auction significant for Saudi Arabia?

A9. The auction is significant because it promotes Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage of falconry, supports local and international breeders, and boosts tourism and economic activity. It positions the Kingdom as a global hub for falconry, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals of cultural preservation and economic diversification.

Q10. How does the auction contribute to Vision 2030?

A10. The auction contributes to Vision 2030 by preserving Saudi heritage, attracting international visitors, and creating economic opportunities. It supports the Kingdom’s cultural and tourism sectors, aligning with the vision’s aim to build a vibrant society and diversify the economy beyond oil.

Q11. What is a ‘Malluth Gier Super White’ falcon?

A11. A ‘Malluth Gier Super White’ falcon is a specific breed of gyrfalcon known for its striking white plumage and high genetic quality. It is highly prized by falconers for its beauty, strength, and rarity, commanding premium prices at auctions like the one in Saudi Arabia.

Q12. How many days does the auction run?

A12. The auction runs for a specific period, starting before August 15 and ending on August 25, 2026. This gives participants and visitors ample time to view and bid on falcons, attend events, and enjoy the surrounding activities.

Q13. How are the auction proceedings broadcast?

A13. The auction proceedings are broadcast live on television channels and via live streams on the Saudi Falcon Club’s social media accounts. This allows a global audience to watch the event in real-time, increasing its reach and promoting international interest in falconry.

Q14. What is the starting price for most falcons at the auction?

A14. The starting prices vary depending on the falcon’s pedigree and quality. For example, the first falcon started at SAR 40,000, while the second began at SAR 200,000. Prices are determined by factors like breed, age, and lineage, with premium birds starting higher.

Q15. What types of falcons are typically sold?

A15. The auction features various types of falcons, primarily gyrfalcons and their hybrids, such as Gier Pure, Malluth Gier, and others. These birds are selected for their hunting abilities, appearance, and breeding outcomes, making them valuable to falconers and breeders.

Q16. How does the auction support local and international breeders?

A16. The auction provides a reputable and competitive platform for breeders from Saudi Arabia and around the world to sell their falcons. It ensures fair pricing, transparent transactions, and international exposure, helping breeders gain recognition and build their reputations in the falconry community.

Q17. What is the profile of the buyers at the auction?

A17. Buyers include falconers, enthusiasts, and breeders from Saudi Arabia and various countries. They are attracted by the quality of the falcons, the event’s credibility, and the opportunity to acquire elite birds for hunting, breeding, or preservation purposes.

Q18. Has the auction set any record prices this year?

A18. Yes, this year’s auction set a record price for the most expensive falcon sold in 2026, with the Malluth Gier Super White fetching SAR 1.3 million. This sale is the second-highest in the auction’s history, showing strong market trends.

Q19. What other activities accompany the auction?

A19. The auction is accompanied by cultural and educational events, including exhibitions on falconry heritage, demonstrations, and opportunities for visitors to learn about falcon care. These activities enrich the experience, attracting families and tourists, and promoting broader cultural understanding.

Q20. How can interested individuals participate in future auctions?

A20. Interested individuals can follow the Saudi Falcon Club’s official announcements and social media channels for updates on future auctions. Registration processes and participation details are typically provided through these platforms, once dates for upcoming events are confirmed.

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