RIYADH: Three falcons were sold for a total of SR935,000 ($249,302) at the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition in Malham, north of Riyadh, on Sunday.
Two of the falcons, from Mongolia, were sold at auction — the first, a Hur Farkh, or young female, fetched a price of SR450,000 after intense bidding, while the second, a Hur Qarnas, or mature bird, sold for SR400,00.
The auction concluded with the sale of a Hur Shaheen, a subspecies of the peregrine falcon, from Al-Qahma in Saudi Arabia’s Aseer region, for SR85,000.
This year’s exhibition features, for the first time, a dedicated zone for Mongolian falcons, which are prized among falconers in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.
Renowned for their large size, long wingspan, and endurance, these birds of prey also display a range of colors, from pale white to dark brown, making them highly sought after by both enthusiasts and professionals.
The Saudi Falcons Club auction is limited to migratory Hur Shaheen falcons, with strict prohibition on auctioning Qarnas Shaheen or wild falcons to ensure their sustainability.
The club offers falconers a range of services and facilities, including transportation, accommodation and sales documentation.
The auction is also broadcast on television and social media platforms.
It began on Oct. 2 and runs until Oct. 11 and has so far attracted a large audience, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
This year features the new Mongolian falcons area featuring rare breeds as well as a saluki dog museum, a falconers’ village for children, and go-kart racing, as part of 23 accompanying events and activities.
The exhibition also features folkloric performances that celebrate Saudi heritage, along with equestrian shows that blend horsemanship and falconry in a unique theatrical display.
Leading the event’s competitions is the six-day Melwah race, which offers total prizes of SR600,000.
Workshops and panel discussions continue to attract significant interest from specialists engaging in dialogue on topics ranging from falconers’ personal experiences to the falcon trade and its broader cultural and heritage implications.
