Six Falcons Sold for SAR 312,000 at International Auction in Riyadh

The eighth night of the International Falcon Breeding Farms Auction 2026 concluded with the sale of six falcons for a total value of 312,000 Saudi Riyals. The event, held in Riyadh on August 19, 2026, drew significant participation from falconers and enthusiasts, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to preserving this cherished heritage. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the auction serves as a premier international platform for showcasing elite falcons, bringing together breeders and falconers from Saudi Arabia and around the world in direct competition.

Context and Background

The International Falcon Breeding Farms Auction is a flagship initiative under the Saudi Falcon Club, supported by the Ministry of Culture and aligned with Vision 2030’s goals of cultural preservation and global engagement. The auction provides a regulated marketplace for high-quality falcons, promoting ethical breeding practices and fostering international cooperation. This year’s event has attracted top breeders from Europe and beyond, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing role as a hub for falconry heritage and commerce.

Key Details

Among the notable sales, a young ‘Hur’ falcon from a farm in Poland fetched 55,000 SAR, while a ‘Gyr’ falcon from the Netherlands sold for 50,000 SAR. A ‘Hur’ falcon from Ukraine achieved the highest price of 70,000 SAR. A Spanish ‘Gyr’ falcon sold for 55,000 SAR, and two ‘Gyr’ falcons from an Austrian farm were sold for 51,000 and 31,000 SAR, respectively. The auction proceedings were broadcast live on television networks and the official accounts of the National Falcon Centre, ensuring transparency and global accessibility.

Implications and Impact

The auction’s international participation highlights Saudi Arabia’s soft power in cultural diplomacy, attracting top breeders and falconers worldwide. This event not only boosts the local economy through tourism and trade but also reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a custodian of falconry heritage. Cross-border sales facilitate knowledge exchange and genetic diversity in falcon breeding, benefiting conservation efforts globally. The live broadcasts extend Saudi cultural values to a global audience, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This auction epitomizes Vision 2030’s cultural and economic aspirations. By nurturing falconry, a UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage, Saudi Arabia preserves its identity while fostering a thriving sector that attracts international investment and tourism. The auction’s success demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development, global partnerships, and the enhancement of quality of life—all core pillars of Vision 2030.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the total value of falcons sold on the eighth night?

A1. The total value of falcons sold on the eighth night of the International Falcon Breeding Farms Auction 2026 was 312,000 Saudi Riyals, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Q2. When and where did the eighth night auction take place?

A2. The eighth night auction took place in Riyadh on August 19, 2026, as part of the International Falcon Breeding Farms Auction 2026.

Q3. How many falcons were sold during the eighth night?

A3. A total of six falcons were sold on the eighth night of the auction, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

Q4. Which country’s farm sold the most expensive falcon?

A4. The most expensive falcon, a ‘Hur’ falcon sold for 70,000 SAR, came from a farm in Ukraine.

Q5. What is the significance of the International Falcon Breeding Farms Auction?

A5. The auction serves as a prestigious international platform for offering elite falcons, bringing together breeders and falconers from around the world in a competitive arena, thereby promoting falconry heritage.

Q6. How does the auction support Vision 2030?

A6. The auction supports Vision 2030 by preserving cultural heritage, boosting economic diversification through tourism and trade, and fostering international partnerships, all of which are key goals of the vision.

Q7. Are the auction events broadcast to the public?

A7. Yes, the auction events are broadcast live on television networks and the official accounts of the National Falcon Centre, ensuring public access and transparency.

Q8. What types of falcons were sold during the eighth night?

A8. The falcons sold included ‘Hur’ and ‘Gyr’ falcon breeds, sourced from Poland, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Spain, and Austria.

Q9. Who participates in the auction?

A9. The auction attracts falconers, breeders, and enthusiasts from Saudi Arabia and other countries, creating a diverse and competitive atmosphere.

Q10. What is the role of the Saudi Falcon Club in this event?

A10. The Saudi Falcon Club organizes the auction, providing a regulated marketplace for falcon trade and promoting ethical breeding and heritage conservation.

Q11. How does the auction contribute to falcon conservation?

A11. The auction promotes ethical breeding and international cooperation, which aids in genetic diversity and conservation efforts for falcon species.

Q12. What was the price range of the falcons sold?

A12. The falcons sold ranged from 31,000 SAR to 70,000 SAR, with the highest-priced falcon being a ‘Hur’ from Ukraine.

Q13. Is the auction open to international buyers?

A13. Yes, the auction is international, attracting buyers and sellers from various countries, including Poland, Netherlands, Ukraine, Spain, and Austria.

Q14. What does the auction symbolize for Saudi Arabia?

A14. The auction symbolizes Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, promoting international dialogue, and enhancing its global standing in falconry.

Q15. How does the auction benefit the local economy?

A15. The auction attracts tourists and participants, boosting local tourism and trade sectors, contributing to economic diversification and non-oil revenues.

Q16. Are there any initiatives linked to this auction?

A16. The auction is part of broader initiatives by the Saudi Falcon Club and the Ministry of Culture to promote falconry as a heritage sport and a cultural asset.

Q17. What is the role of the National Falcon Centre?

A17. The National Falcon Centre organizes and broadcasts the auction proceedings, ensuring transparency and facilitating live engagement with a global audience.

Q18. How does the auction reflect Saudi Arabia’s soft power?

A18. The auction showcases Saudi Arabia’s leadership in cultural diplomacy, attracting international participation and global viewership, thereby enhancing its soft power.

Q19. What is the future outlook for the auction?

A19. The auction is expected to continue growing, with increasing international participation and greater integration with Vision 2030 objectives, fostering sustainable development and global cultural exchange.

Q20. Where can one find more information about the auction?

A20. More information can be found through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Saudi Falcon Club, and the National Falcon Centre’s official channels, which provide updates and live broadcasts.

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