National Falcons Center launches 2026 International Falcon Farms Auction in Riyadh

The National Falcons Center today inaugurated the "2026 International Falcon Farms Auction" at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, with the participation of leading local and international falcon breeding farms. The event runs from August 5 to 25, spanning 21 days.

This auction marks the center’s first event since its new organizational structure was approved by the Council of Ministers. It aims to preserve falcons as a cultural and heritage symbol, support related activities, regulate and develop the falconry sector, host events, and build partnerships both locally and internationally.

Competitive bidding and comprehensive services

The auction brings together breeding farms, falconers, and buyers in a specialized marketplace, allowing farms to showcase their birds in dedicated pavilions and conduct live competitive bidding through the auction platform. The venue also features sections for falconry supplies and offers television coverage and live streaming on social media to reach a wider audience.

Talal bin Abdulaziz Al-Shamisi, CEO of the National Falcons Center, stated that this year’s auction ushers in a new phase for the center, offering a diverse selection of high-quality falcon breeds, organizing the sales process, and providing essential services to farms and falcons from their arrival in Riyadh until the completion of sales.

World’s largest gathering and expanded participation

Al-Shamisi emphasized that the auction is the largest of its kind globally, bringing together the world’s top breeding farms under one roof. It serves as an opportunity for knowledge exchange and workshops for falconers and producers, supporting the falcon breeding sector.

He noted that last year’s auction saw participation from 67 farms across 23 countries, with growth in sales, the number of falcons, farms, and participating countries. This year’s focus is on expanding the presence of breeding farms and offering more options to buyers, as well as linking the auction to competitions and events organized by the center.

New competitive edge and auction statistics

This year, a new feature has been introduced: all "Farkh" category rounds in the falconry speed competitions are reserved for falcons sold at the auction, allowing falconers to select birds directly from local and international farms.

In 2025, the auction recorded sales exceeding 13,000,000 riyals (SAR), a 23% increase compared to 2024. The number of falcons sold rose by 27% to reach 1,103 birds, with 67 breeding farms from 23 countries participating, including 19 local farms.

Strict arrangements and precise sales procedures

Preparations for international farms begin before the falcons’ arrival, covering transport, reception, and veterinary care. In recent days, batches of falcons have arrived via flights and were transferred from King Khalid International Airport to the event site under specialist supervision, with all necessary health checks conducted.

Sales procedures start with an agreement between seller and buyer, with medical examinations available upon request. The type and category of each falcon are determined, followed by completion of legal and financial steps, registration of the falcon and its owner, and fitting of a leg band with its details. The sale concludes with official documentation of the falcon’s transfer to its new owner.