RIYADH: Shipments of falcons have begun arriving in Saudi Arabia ahead of the International Falcon Breeders Auction, as organizers prepare for the annual event.
The auction, organized by the National Center for Falcons, will run from Aug. 5- 25 at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The event will strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for falcon breeding and trade.
Among the first shipments are birds from Hermann Falcons and AW Falcons of Austria, Naseem Bahrain of the Netherlands, RO Falcons of Romania, and Falco Ireland of Ireland. Additional shipments from participating breeding farms are expected in the coming days.
This year's auction introduces a new feature, allowing only falcons sold through the auction to compete in all local and international chick-racing categories, expanding opportunities for breeders, investors and buyers.
Under the new rules, every falcon purchased through the auction will be eligible to compete, subject to regulations. Buyers will also have the chance to enter competitions organized or co-organized by the National Center for Falcons, with total prize money of up to SR50 million ($13.3 million).
The new incentive is expected to boost the auction’s appeal to investors and buyers. Alongside pedigree, breeding quality and price, buyers are also expected to consider a falcon’s racing potential and bloodline performance.
The initiative is expected to increase demand for falcons suited to the Melwah racing category while attracting more buyers seeking birds that combine superior breeding with competitive performance. Melwah is an annual falcon speed competition that showcases avian athleticism and falconry training over short distances.
This year’s auction will feature pavilions for local and international breeding farms, falconry equipment and supplies, the “Falconer of the Future” pavilion, interactive displays and a live auction platform for elite captive-bred falcons.
The event has grown steadily in recent years. In 2025 it recorded sales of 1,103 falcons from 67 breeding farms representing 23 countries, including 19 from the Kingdom. Total sales exceeded SR13 million, up 23 percent from the previous year. The number of falcons sold increased by 27 percent, the number of participating farms rose by 20 percent, and the number of countries represented grew by 21 percent.
The National Center for Falcons will also host several specialized events, including the International Saudi Falcons and Hunting Exhibition from Oct. 1-10, the Melwah Race from Oct. 4-9, the National Falcon Center Auction from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, and the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival from Nov. 17-30.
