RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Club launched the third International Falcon Breeders Auction on Saturday at its headquarters in Malham, about 80 km north of Riyadh. The event aims to host a secure and thriving market for falconers and producers, and foster leadership in falconry development, innovation, breeding and care. It serves as a cultural and economic catalyst, promoting environmental awareness and acting as a platform for growth, said Walid Al-Taweel, spokesperson for the Saudi Falcons Club. Six new rounds have been introduced in the auction, specifically for falcons acquired from overseas. Leading falcons breeding farms from 14 countries participate in ‎the Auction ‎which assemble an elite selection of falcon breeds from ‎around the world in this ‎event which stands as the largest ‎of its kind in the region.‎ (SFC/Supplied) Auctioned falcons are now eligible to take part in all rounds of the Al-Melwah competition at the King Abdulaziz Falcon Festival, according to a spokesperson. The festival is scheduled to take place from Nov. 28 to Dec. 14. Falcon farms from 14 countries are taking part in the International Falcon ‎Breeders Auction, gathering an elite selection of breeds from around the world. The Saudi Falcons Club is hosting the event “to establish a reliable and safe market for falconers and falcon producers,” said Al-Taweel. During its previous two editions, the event recorded sales exceeding SR10 million ($3.65 million) through the auction of more than 800 falcons. About 25 leading falcon farms took part.