A successful conclusion to the Saudi Falcons Club Auction 2025
The Saudi Falcons Club auction for 2025, held over two months at the club's headquarters in Mulham, north of Riyadh, has concluded. The auction, which ran from October 1st to November 30th, coinciding with the annual falconry season, was a resounding success, with total sales exceeding 6.4 million Saudi Riyals. Over 26 nights, the auction witnessed fierce competition among falconers and enthusiasts of this rich heritage, with 40 young peregrine falcons being sold to 119 falconers from 35 different locations across the Kingdom.
Falconry: A cultural heritage spanning centuries
Falconry is an integral part of the cultural and historical identity of the Arabian Peninsula, and Saudi Arabia in particular. It is not merely a hobby, but a rich heritage passed down through generations, and in the past, it was a primary means of hunting and securing food in the harsh desert environment. Falcons were associated with horsemanship, courage, and generosity, becoming a symbol of strength and high status. In modern times, falconry has transformed into a prestigious heritage sport, enjoying significant official and public attention. The establishment of the Saudi Falcons Club in 2017 by royal decree is a strategic step within the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to preserve and promote the intangible national heritage globally.
Record numbers and fierce competition
This year's auction was distinguished by multi-million riyal deals, reflecting the quality of the falcons on offer and the passion of the bidders. The highest-priced falcon sold was a young peregrine falcon from Al-Hasahis in the Jazan region, which fetched 361,000 riyals. It was followed closely by a young peregrine falcon from the Northern Borders region (Umm Khansar), which sold for 360,000 riyals, and then a peregrine falcon from Sharurah, which sold for 351,000 riyals. Other falcons also sold for high prices, such as one from Al-Ramla, which sold for 308,000 riyals, and another from Al-Hanu, which reached 301,000 riyals.
The importance of the auction and its economic and cultural impact
The Saudi Falcons Club auction is a pivotal event with multiple dimensions. Locally, it serves as a significant economic driver for falconers, providing them with an organized and transparent platform to sell their falcons at fair prices, thus transforming their hobby into a sustainable source of income. The auction also strengthens social bonds among falconers from across the Kingdom. Regionally, it solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leading destination and hub for falconry in the Gulf and the Middle East, attracting the attention of falconers and investors from neighboring countries. Internationally, it highlights the Kingdom's efforts in preserving its cultural heritage and organizing major international events, while adhering to environmental standards for the conservation of falcon species.
Organized efforts to maintain sustainability
The official spokesperson for the Saudi Falcons Club, Waleed Al-Tawil, explained that the club aims to regulate the buying and selling of falcons in the Kingdom through this auction. He emphasized that limiting the auction to young peregrine falcons only, and prohibiting the sale of adult peregrine falcons and saker falcons, is part of the club's efforts to contribute to the sustainability of these species and protect endangered breeds. Al-Tawil noted that extending the auction period this year by two additional weeks provided a greater opportunity for falconers to participate. He affirmed that the club offers a comprehensive package of services to participants, including transportation, accommodation, and sales documentation, in addition to live streaming of events across various media platforms to promote this authentic hobby.
