Saudi Press

Saudi Arabia and the world
Friday, Mar 29, 2024

Rare-breed falcon sold for record-breaking $93,000 at Saudi auction

Rare-breed falcon sold for record-breaking $93,000 at Saudi auction

A rare falcon has been sold for a record-breaking $93,347, the highest amount ever paid at a Saudi auction for falcon breeders.

On day eight of the International Falcon Breeders Auction, organized by the Saudi Falcons Club, bidding for the Super White Gyrfalcon farkh (under a year old) from the Canada-based Jim Wilson Falcons opened at $66,676 and closed at $93,347.

The identity of the buyer has not been revealed and it is usual practice for the bird to named after it has been sold.

The falcon is 18.5 inches long and wide. It weighs 1.6 kilos and is the most expensive falcon to be sold at the auction, breaking the record for the rare Saudi-bred falcon Raghwan that was sold for $72,000 earlier this month.

Falconry is an ancient hobby that has taken off into a multi-million dollar business in the region. It has seen some of the fastest, most beautiful, and most intelligent falcons sold based on their distinct features and lineage at record-breaking prices.

Abdullah Shamrookh, a falconer with more than two decades of experience, said buying these birds for breeding was a lucrative and long-term business and that the market was becoming very competitive due to the birds’ rarity.

"The success rate of breeding farms has made falcon owners not only increase the number of falcons they own, it’s more about strategy now."

Abdullah Shamrookh, a falconer


“Some prefer purebred and specialize in them while others prefer hybrids, and the success rate of breeding farms have made falcon owners not only increase in the number of falcons they own, it’s more about strategy now,” he told Arab News. “Purchasing falcons now is very much dependent on their lineage, characteristics, and origins.”

Faris Al-Faris, the spokesman for Jim Wilson Falcons, said the farm bred about 300 falcons annually to the same quality as Sunday’s record-breaking bird.

He said that the farm achieved more first places in Al-Mazayen competitions (falcon beauty contests) and falconry races than any other international farm.

Another falcon was sold in the auction for $24,803 and a third bird would be put up for sale in the coming days, he added.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Saudi Press
0:00
0:00
Close
Reports in Gaza: 5 dead from the impact of aid packages dropped by the USA
Apple warns against drying iPhones with rice
China Criticizes US for Vetoing UN Ceasefire Resolution in Gaza
In a recent High Court hearing, the U.S. argued that Julian Assange endangered lives by releasing classified information.
The U.S. vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, instead proposing its own six-week ceasefire plan contingent upon the release of all hostages held by Hamas
Prince William Urges End to Gaza Conflict
Saudi Arabia ranks first in UN index for e-government services in MENA
Israel has gone ‘beyond self-defence’ in Gaza, says Labour’s Streeting
EU Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict
Israel Records 20% Drop In GDP, War In Gaza Is The Reason
Saudi Arabia's FDI Inflows Grow with New International Standards
Venture Capitals Power Up Across MENA Region
Saudi Arabia Introduces Terms for 30-Year Income Tax Exemption for Multinational Companies
Saudi FM: Establishing Palestinian state is only pathway for Mideast stability
Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny has died at the Arctic prison colony
Elon Musk's Starlink Gets License For Israel, Parts Of Gaza
Influencers Exploit X Platform for Profit Amidst Israel-Gaza Conflict
PM Modi Announces Opening Of New CBSE Office In Dubai
International Criminal Court's Chief "Deeply Concerned" By Rafah Bombing
January Funding for MENA Startups Totals $86.5 Million
Saudi Arabia accelerates digital economy growth through Nvidia partnership
Indian female military officers commend Saudi Arabia's progress and women's empowerment
Israel unveils tunnels underneath Gaza City headquarters of UN agency for Palestinian refugees
Israel deploys new military AI in Gaza war
Egypt threatens to suspend key peace treaty if Israel pushes into Gaza border town, officials say
Israel Utilizes AI Military Technology in Gaza Conflict
Saudi Arabia Warns Of A "Humanitarian Catastrophe" If Israel Moves On Rafah
China Warns Iran to Halt Houthi Attacks or Damage Trade Ties
US University To Shut Qatar Campus Due To "Heightened Mideast Instability"
Iran-backed hackers interrupt UAE TV streaming services with deepfake news
Facebook and Instagram Ban Iran's Supreme Leader
Finnish Airline, Finnair, is voluntarily weighing passengers to better estimate flight cargo weight
U.S. Secretary of State Blinken: The Israelis underwent dehumanization on 7.10, this does not give them the right to do this to others.
Defense Technology Showcase Held in Riyadh
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports rise 2.5% to $6bn in November 2023: GASTAT
UK Bans Misleading "Zero Emissions" Claims for Electric Cars
Gaza's Teen Inventor Sparks Light in Displacement
Netanyahu Rejects Ceasefire Proposal, Insists On Total Victory Over Hamas
Guterres appoints independent UNRWA review panel
Private Sector Employment Hits Record High with Over 11 Million Employees in January
Rolls-Royce Executive Encourages Saudi Women to Tap into Their Inner 'Superhero' for Success in Defense Industry
Saudi Arabia launches National Academy of Vehicles and Cars
Saudi Tourism Minister Reveals Plan for 250,000 New Hotel Rooms by 2030
SAR to more than double eastern network passenger capacity with new trains deal
Saudi Arabia Enhances National Defense with New Partnerships
Saudi Aramco Maintains Arab Light Crude Pricing to Asia for March
NEOM Establishes New York Office to Support Investors
Saudi Wealth Fund Draws in Over $25 Billion Worth of Investments in Three Years, Al-Rumayyan Reveals
ZATCA Cautions Against Scammer Schemes
INTRA Defense Technologies inaugurates drone factory in Riyadh
×