RIYADH: Falcon sales at an exhibition in Riyadh have exceeded SR3 million ($800,000) and are expected to double before the event closes.
The sales were made directly in the exhibitors’ section and at auction of the Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition, which is in its second year.
Falconry enthusiasts from more than 20 countries are attending the show, which is the biggest event of its kind in the Kingdom and the Middle East. Tens of thousands of visitors have already flocked to the exhibition, which runs until Oct. 15.
There are more than 350 exhibitors, and organizers are expecting 150,000 visitors.
The event features training workshops, lectures and children’s activities, as well as art workshops organized in partnership with the Saudi Society of Fine Arts.
Visitors can turn their hand to pottery, transfer technology, mural painting, charcoal painting, oud and coffee painting.
King Saud University is holding three seminars related to the environment and living organisms, including falcons and the findings of recent studies on their care and breeding. The seminars will explore the latest trends for the conservation of falcons in Saudi Arabia, parasites in falcons and how to combat them.
Another aspect of the exhibition is hunting weaponry, with specialist firms selling their products. Visitors need to access the Kingdom’s online government platform, Absher, to obtain an appointment through the booking process.
Exhibition organizers say they have established a design that simulates the experience of hunting trips and wildlife and that the various sections evoke hills, plateaus, sand dunes and lakes. Each area is decorated with species of desert plants and visitors can enjoy a musical soundtrack as they tour the event.