Falcon merchants and collectors from across the UAE and beyond flocked to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre this weekend for a series of auctions that saw prized birds of prey sold for tens of thousands of dirhams. The sales precede the prestigious 20th Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, where more than 1,000 falcons will be showcased, cementing the region’s deep-rooted heritage of falconry.TL;DR:
- Falcons fetched prices up to Dh38,000 at Abu Dhabi auctions, ahead of the main exhibition.
- Four out of eight auctions are held before the nine-day Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, starting August 30.
- Falconry, a tradition spanning over 4,000 years in the Arabian Peninsula, remains a central part of UAE culture and identity.
Details of the auction & exhibition
This year, auctions at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre are attracting merchants, breeders, and collectors eager to acquire top pedigree falcons. Notable sales included two birds purchased by Mubarak Al Amri for Dh22,000 and Dh38,000, used primarily for hunting, a practice that links present generations to their ancestors. Participants like Saif Al Meqbaly highlight falconry as a family tradition, reflecting lifelong passion and the enduring bond between local communities and these birds.The auction series forms part of the lead-up to the main event, the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, running August 30 to September 7. Over 1,000 falcons will be assessed for pedigree, health, and suitability for competition or hunting. In recent years, top birds fetched extraordinarily high prices, one falcon was sold for Dh600,000 in 2023, while another set a record at Dh1.01 million in 2022. For 2025, a secure online bidding platform will be launched, making prestigious falcon auctions accessible to international enthusiasts and buyers.
The Falcon: Symbolism & heritage in the UAE
Falcons are revered symbols throughout the UAE and Arabian Peninsula. These majestic birds are central to Emirati identity, often depicted on national logos and heritage symbols. Falconry has been practiced for about 4,000 years, originally used by Bedouin as a vital hunting method for survival in harsh desert environments.Modern falconry blends sport, tradition, and conservation efforts. Today’s competitions, breeding, and auctions emphasize pedigree, health, and ethical standards. The UAE remains a leading hub for the breeding, training, and trade of falcons worldwide, with strict regulations to ensure their welfare.The Abu Dhabi falcon auctions and the upcoming exhibition highlight deep respect for the past and innovative steps for global participation. Falconry remains a living heritage, uniting generations, fostering international exchange, and symbolizing pride across the Arabian Peninsula.
FAQ
- 1. How much did falcons sell for at the Abu Dhabi auction?
Falcons at the auction were sold for up to Dh38,000, with even higher prices in previous years. - 2. What is the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition?
It’s a major annual event featuring falconry, equestrian sports, hunting, fishing, and conservation, held from August 30 to September 7, 2025. - 3. Can bidders participate in falcon auctions online?
Yes, a secure online platform will be launched this year to enable international bidding. - 4. Why are falcons significant in UAE culture?
Falconry has been part of Arabian heritage for over 4,000 years; falcons symbolize tradition, pride, and are featured on national logos. - 5. What happens at a falcon auction?
Merchants, breeders, and collectors bid on pedigree falcons for hunting, competition, and breeding, sometimes spending hundreds of thousands of dirhams.
