Falcon breeding farm auction in Riyadh sees 23% sales surge, boosts global presence

The International Auction for Falcon Breeding Farms in Riyadh recorded significant economic and international growth in 2025, driven by higher sales and an increase in the number of falcons sold, as well as broader participation from breeding farms and countries. The event continues to solidify its status as a leading global reference in the falconry sector.

Indicators show that auction sales rose by 23%, exceeding 13 million riyals (SAR), compared to over 10 million riyals in 2024. The number of falcons sold also increased by 27% to reach 1,103 birds, up from 872 the previous year.

The auction also saw expanded international participation, attracting 67 breeding farms from 23 countries—a 20% increase in the number of farms and a 21% rise in the number of countries compared to 2024, which saw 56 farms from 19 countries. Last year, 19 local farms took part in the event.

In 2025, the auction recorded the sale of a "Gyr Pure Super White" falcon for 1.2 million riyals, making it the most expensive falcon sold that year. This reflects the high quality of falcons on offer and the value of the participating farms' production.

Auction growth since inception

The National Center for Falcons is preparing to host the auction at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, from August 5 to 25. This will be the first event following the center's new regulatory framework, continuing the auction's journey since its launch in 2021.

Data shows the auction has grown steadily in recent years. In 2024, sales surpassed 10 million riyals with 872 falcons sold, compared to over 8 million riyals and 642 falcons in 2023. In 2022, 371 falcons were sold for more than 2.5 million riyals, with participation from over 40 breeding farms representing 17 countries. At its launch in 2021, the auction achieved sales exceeding 8 million riyals with 443 falcons sold, including a "Muthallath Gyr Pure Ultra White" falcon that fetched 1.75 million riyals.

Auction's role in developing the falcon market

The auction marks the transformation of falconry from a deeply rooted national tradition into a regulated international market with economic and cultural value. It also strengthens the National Center for Falcons' position as a national authority leading the development of the falconry sector, opening up broader growth opportunities for breeding farms and investors to access global markets.

The growth in sales not only reflects the size of transactions but also the increasing presence of local and international breeding farms, the expanding base of falconers and enthusiasts, and the development of the regulatory and commercial environment related to falconry. This enhances Saudi Arabia's standing as a global destination for falcons and falconry.

Auction events and expanding reach

This year's auction offers visitors the chance to view top falcon breeds produced locally and internationally through dedicated breeding farm pavilions and falconry supplies stands, as well as direct sales competitions, interactive displays, and a "Falconer of the Future" pavilion.

Television coverage and live broadcast channels are helping to expand the auction's reach both locally and internationally, showcasing the diverse deals and participation, and supporting breeding farms in reaching a wider audience of falconers, investors, and enthusiasts worldwide.