UK ambassador Steven Hitchin visits International Falcon Breeders Auction near Riyadh

UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Steven Hitchin, visited the 2026 International Falcon Breeders Auction, organized by the National Center for Falcons at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. He explored the event's activities and experiences, which highlight the heritage and cultural significance of falconry, as well as the international presence of falcon breeding farms.

The British ambassador expressed his delight at visiting the auction and experiencing falconry in the Kingdom for the first time, thanking the National Center for Falcons for their warm welcome and hospitality.

Hitchin noted that he has spent a year in Saudi Arabia, and that this visit marked his first direct encounter with falcons in the country. He said he was aware of the falcon's importance in Saudi culture, but the visit allowed him to witness it firsthand. He described the experience as unique, adding that while he had seen falcons in the UK, he had never seen them with such prominence and excitement.

The British ambassador expressed interest in further exploring the heritage and activities of falconry in Saudi Arabia, and said he looked forward to visiting the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition in October.

During his visit, he received an overview of the auction, its activities, and the local and international farms participating, as well as the role of the National Center for Falcons in preserving falconry heritage and organizing and developing related activities.

He toured the auction pavilions, viewed the different types and categories of falcons on display and learned about their care. He also visited the breeding farms and equipment sections, as well as the "Future Falconer" pavilion, which introduces children and youth to the heritage and skills of falconry.

The ambassador also attended part of the eighth night of the auction platform, which saw the sale of six falcons for a total of 312,000 riyals (SAR), amid strong competition among falconers and buyers.

The International Falcon Breeders Auction runs for 21 days until August 25, bringing together local and international breeding farms, falconers, and buyers from various countries, as part of the National Center for Falcons' efforts to preserve and develop the falconry tradition and strengthen Saudi Arabia's presence in this field.