RIYADH: Japan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino on Saturday visited the International Falcon Breeders Auction in Malham, north of Riyadh.
Organized by the Saudi Falcons Club, the event runs until Aug. 25 and features leading falcon breeding farms from around the world.
The ambassador was received by Talal Al-Shamaisi, the CEO of the club, who briefed him on the auction and the participating local and international breeding farms.
The ambassador, accompanied by his delegation, toured the auction pavilions, viewed the falcon species on display and their feed, visited the participating farms’ pavilions and equipment sections, explored the Falconer of the Future pavilion, and took photos of some of the birds.
The International Falcon Breeders Auction is the largest event of its kind worldwide. It brings together elite falcon breeds from across the globe and serves as an annual destination for falconers and breeders.
Walid Al-Taweel, spokesperson for the Saudi Falcons Club, said that the auction was one of the best events of its kind as it featured “a selection of high-quality breeds within a professionally organized and competitive environment, giving it an advantage over other markets.”
The auction has witnessed record-breaking sales over the past four years. Last year’s auction saw 872 birds changing hands for a combined value of more than SR10 million ($2.7 million), a 25 percent increase in revenue and a 36 percent rise in the number of birds sold from 2023.
On the opening night of this year’s event, two birds were sold for SR180,000.
Al-Taweel told Arab News that high-value sales had motivated falconers and enhanced their confidence in the event as a trusted global destination.
He said: “The auction utilizes modern technologies in sales and medical examinations. It also features live broadcasting, which allows real-time viewing of the auction from around the world.”
The auction serves as a premier global platform for elite and championship-winning falcons, featuring rapid-fire bidding that connects breeders, falconers, and collectors from around the world.
Al-Taweel added that the auction seeks to preserve the heritage of falconry through the initiatives and events held annually by the Saudi Falcons Club, as well as programs that preserve the natural environment of the birds.
The auction supports the club’s vision to pioneer innovation in falconry breeding, conservation, and cultural preservation while promoting environmental awareness.
The club has also dedicated an interactive pavilion, titled Falconer of the Future, as part of the International Falcon Breeders Auction, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
It aims to introduce the young generation to the world of falconry by showcasing tools used for training and caring for the birds, as well as the best ways of hunting.
The club has organized special competitive rounds for young enthusiasts, enabling them to gain experience that simulates real falconry environments. Cash prizes and honors are awarded to the winners.
The pavilion offers practical information to help children understand the stages of training and handling falcons, contributing to raising early awareness.
