Record-breaking bids highlight passion for falconry at Saudi Falcon Auction 2024 in Riyadh

 The Saudi Falcon Auction 2024 soared to new heights this week as four prized falcons fetched a combined SR277,000 ($73,756) on the event’s 13th evening. Hosted at the Saudi Falcon Club’s expansive headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, the auction attracted elite falconers and enthusiasts, all dedicated to preserving and celebrating Saudi Arabia’s rich falconry heritage.

Commanding the night’s highest price was “Trah Amlaj Al-Hassi,” a stunning Shaheen fledgling owned by Younis and Abdulrahman Al-Jahni. This highly sought-after bird sparked an intense bidding war before selling for a remarkable SR79,000. Not far behind was another Shaheen fledgling, “Trah Farasan,” which falconers Ali Suhail and Ahmad Al-Aqili proudly sold for SR77,000. The auction then saw “Trah Dhulm,” owned by Nader, Saud, and Fahad Al-Otaibi, claim SR71,000, while “Trah Al-Sawarima,” a fledgling from the Jazan region, completed the night’s impressive sales with an SR50,000 bid.

Running until 15 November, the auction provides a unique platform for falcon owners—tawarih—and buyers from across the Kingdom. Not only does it create an opportunity to trade these rare and coveted birds, but it also offers a place to celebrate an art form deeply embedded in Saudi culture. Throughout the event, the Saudi Falcon Club offers dedicated support to falconers, including accommodation and transportation assistance, making it possible for participants to bring their birds to Malham from even the most remote corners of the country.

Every evening’s bidding is broadcast live on both television and social media, allowing a wide audience to join the action. The excitement is palpable as falconers compete to obtain the finest falcons, with each sale unfolding in an atmosphere of keen anticipation and national pride. For Saudis, falconry represents more than a tradition; it is a living testament to their history, a practice handed down through generations, where skill, patience, and respect for nature are paramount.

The Saudi Falcon Club has long been committed to supporting the falconry community, ensuring that falconry remains accessible, celebrated, and sustained for future generations. Beyond sales and bidding, the event highlights Saudi Arabia’s dedication to preserving its heritage. Each falcon bought and sold at the auction represents more than its financial value; it embodies the Kingdom’s pursuit of honouring its past while adapting to the demands of a rapidly changing world.

As the Saudi Falcon Club’s auction reaches its final nights, it is evident that this event continues to play a crucial role in showcasing falconry’s significance within Saudi society. The club’s efforts contribute to a broader vision of fostering appreciation for this storied practice, bringing together falconers, enthusiasts, and audiences from across the globe in shared reverence for these magnificent birds.