International falcon breeding auction 2026 links sales to competitions with SAR 50 million prizes

The International Falcon Breeding Farms Auction is introducing a new feature this year, expanding opportunities for breeders, investors, and buyers. All "chick" competition rounds, open to both local and international participants, will now be reserved for falcons sold through the auction. This move is expected to boost interest and sales, especially as the auction enters 2026 after last year's sales reached 13 million riyals, with 1,103 falcons sold and 67 breeding farms participating.

Under this decision, each falcon sold gains a new pathway after changing ownership, becoming eligible to compete in races according to established regulations. Buyers will now have the chance to enter their falcons in various competitions organized or co-organized by the National Center for Falcons, with total prizes reaching up to 50 million riyals.

This new feature adds further appeal for investors and buyers. Factors such as lineage, production quality, and price are no longer the only considerations—opportunities for competition and the breed's performance in the field now play a role in purchasing decisions. This is expected to increase interest in falcons qualified for the "melwah" and broaden the base of buyers seeking birds that combine quality with competitive ability.

The decision also enhances the integrated services provided by the National Center for Falcons through its events, which organize the buying and selling of falcons, including the International Falcon Breeding Farms Auction, the National Center for Falcons Auction, and the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition. The center also organizes falcon racing events such as the King Abdulaziz Falcon Festival, the National Center for Falcons Cup, melwah races, and other competitions held across the Kingdom.