In Saudi Arabia, falcons are more than birds, they are cultural treasures, high-end status symbols, and participants in lucrative racing and beauty competitions. Their rarity, intelligence, speed, and genetics make top-quality birds highly valuable. Highlighting this tradition, a young Farkh Shaheen (peregrine falcon) sold for SAR136,000 at the Saudi Falcons Club Auction 2025 on the 14th night in Malham, north of Riyadh. The sale marked the debut of two friends from Sakaka, who had discovered the bird near their camp.
Record sale marks eventful 14th night
The fourteenth night of the Saudi Falcons Club Auction 2025, held at the club’s headquarters in Malham, witnessed the sale of a Farkh Shaheen (young peregrine falcon) that drew intense competition from bidders. The auction began at SAR70,000 and concluded at SAR136,000, reflecting strong demand and interest in top-quality falcons. The bird was presented by two friends from the city of Sakaka in the Al-Jouf region, Rashid Al-Otaibi and Abdullah Al-Dahmashi, who made their debut appearance at the national event. Their falcon measured 15 inches in length and width and weighed 960 grams, fitting the auction’s category of young migratory peregrine falcons.
A journey from Sakaka to Riyadh
Al-Otaibi recounted how the sale began with an unexpected discovery. He and Al-Dahmashi had set out for their camp one afternoon when Abdullah spotted a young falcon released nearby. He quickly called Rashid to assist, and together they secured the bird and brought it back to camp. Upon contacting the Saudi Falcons Club, the team provided full logistical support, including flight arrangements to Riyadh, accommodation, and handling all official documentation. Al-Otaibi noted that the club’s coordination and professionalism made their first participation smooth and rewarding. For his part, Al-Dahmashi expressed gratitude for the experience, emphasizing the club’s warm reception and transparent auction process. He said he was thrilled by the final price, which far exceeded their expectations.
Falconry tradition and sustainability
The Saudi Falcons Club restricts its auctions exclusively to young migratory peregrine falcons, in line with sustainability guidelines designed to protect local falcon populations. Auctions for horned peregrine falcons and resident peregrine species are not held, ensuring environmental balance and conservation. Beyond sales, the club plays a crucial role in preserving Saudi Arabia’s falconry heritage, a centuries-old practice deeply embedded in Arabian culture. The auction platform also serves as a source of income for hundreds of local falconers and helps transfer knowledge to younger generations, keeping the tradition alive.
Comprehensive support and cultural impact
The Saudi Falcons Club offers participants a complete package of services, including transportation, accommodation, and sale documentation, to facilitate seamless participation. Each auction night is broadcast live across television and social media, broadening public access and engagement. At the end of each auction night, prizes are awarded to falconers, celebrating their achievements and supporting the continued growth of the sport. The event, now a fixture in the Kingdom’s cultural calendar, continues to strengthen the economic, social, and cultural ecosystem surrounding falconry, ensuring that this authentic Arabian heritage thrives for future generations.
