Falcon auction sales jump 23% to more than SR13 million

The International Falcon Breeders Auction is expanding its role as a global market for falcons after 2025 sales rose 23% and international participation hit record levels. The National Center for Falcons will host this year’s auction in Malham from Aug. 5-25, with live streaming and broader breeder participation expected to widen its reach.

Why it matters: - The International Falcon Breeders Auction is becoming a bigger commercial channel for falcon breeders, buyers and investors. - Stronger sales and wider international participation reinforce Saudi Arabia’s push to position falconry as both a cultural tradition and a global marketplace. - The auction also matters to falconers because juvenile falcons purchased through it are eligible for all rounds of the National Center for Falcons’ competitions.

What happened: - Auction sales rose 23% in 2025 to more than SR13 million, up from over SR10 million in 2024. - The number of falcons sold climbed 27% to 1,103 from 872 the year before. - The 2025 auction drew 67 breeding farms from 23 countries. - Saudi Arabia was represented by 19 local breeding farms. - The top sale in 2025 was a Pure Gyr Super White falcon that sold for SR1.2 million. - The National Center for Falcons will host this year’s auction from Aug. 5-25 at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. - This year’s event will be the first major activity under the Center’s new organizational framework.

The details: - The auction has been held annually since its launch in 2021. - In 2024, sales topped SR10 million and 872 falcons were sold. - In 2023, sales exceeded SR8 million and 642 falcons were sold. - In 2022, the auction sold 371 falcons worth more than SR2.5 million. - That 2022 edition included more than 40 breeding farms from 17 countries. - The inaugural 2021 auction generated sales exceeding SR8 million through the sale of 443 falcons. - The highest-priced bird at the 2021 auction was a Triple Pure Gyr Ultra White (Farakh) that sold for SR1.75 million. - Visitors to this year’s auction will see breeder pavilions, falcon equipment and supplies exhibitors, a live auction arena, interactive experiences and the Future Falconer Booth. - Television coverage and live streaming will extend the auction’s reach inside Saudi Arabia and globally.

Between the lines: - The auction’s growth suggests falconry is moving beyond a heritage activity into a structured international trade sector. - More farms, more countries and higher prices point to a deeper market for elite falcons and related services. - The National Center for Falcons is using the auction to expand Saudi Arabia’s influence in falconry while creating new opportunities for breeders and investors. - The event’s expanded media coverage should help participating farms connect with more falconers, investors and enthusiasts.

What's next: - The 2026 auction runs Aug. 5-25 in Malham and will serve as the Center’s first major event under its new structure. - Breeding farms from Saudi Arabia and abroad are expected to showcase elite birds through dedicated pavilions. - Broader live streaming and television coverage should widen the auction’s audience beyond attendees on site. - The auction’s performance this year will be a key test of whether the 2025 growth trend continues.