RIYADH: The International Falcon Breeders Auction recently concluded with significant global participation, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The auction was organized by the Saudi Falcons Club at its headquarters in Malham, about 80 km north of Riyadh. Spanning a period of 21 days, the event showcased various activities and brought together falcon enthusiasts from around the world. The auction achieved remarkable success in its third round, with sales increasing by more than 218 percent compared to the previous event. A total of 642 falcons were sold during the auction, amounting to more than SR8 million ($2.1 million). The third auction hosted more than 39 leading breeding farms from 16 countries, including the US, Germany, Spain, the UK, and Austria, as well as local farms. The auction saw several record-breaking deals, including the sale of the most expensive local Falco Cherrug from the Al-Nadir for Falcons Center, which was sold for SR500,000. This price exceeded the previous auction’s most expensive local falcon price of SR270,000. In addition, a pure ultra-white Falco Cherrug was sold for SR550,000. On the last night of the auction, a Falco Cherrug from an Austrian farm was sold for SR125,000. The auction has established itself as a significant marketplace for both local and international falcon-breeding farms. It provides valuable business opportunities for professional falconers, as it showcases a selection of elite breeds. This was accomplished through a live and fast auction that attracted falconers, farmers, and falcon enthusiasts from Saudi Arabia and other countries. The auction was broadcasted on TV channels and social media platforms. The auction aligns with the Saudi Falcons Club’s vision of leading in falconry development, innovation, breeding, production and care. It serves as a cultural and economic support, while also promoting environmental awareness.