The world of falconry, steeped in tradition and prestige, continues to captivate enthusiasts and investors alike. At the heart of this fascination lies the International Falcon Breeders Auction 2025, an annual event hosted by the Saudi Falcons Club in Malham, north of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This year’s auction, running until August 25, has already made headlines with a stunning sale: a Slovenian super white falcon, a Mathlouth gyrfalcon hybrid, fetched an impressive SR151,000 (approximately $40,000) on Tuesday, marking it as the most expensive bird sold so far in the 2025 auction. This remarkable transaction underscores the growing global demand for elite falcons and highlights the event’s role as a premier platform for falconry enthusiasts, breeders, and investors. .
A Record-Breaking Sale: The Slovenian Super White Falcon
The star of the auction’s fourth night was a Mathlouth gyrfalcon hybrid super white, bred by the Slovenian breeder GP. This falcon chick, less than a year old, measures approximately 17 inches in length, 16 inches in height, and weighs just over 1,050 grams. The bidding for this exceptional bird began at SR50,000, but fierce competition among falconers and investors quickly drove the price to SR151,000, equivalent to $40,000.
This sale has set a new benchmark for the 2025 auction, though it falls short of the record set last year when a peregrine falcon chick named Ultra White sold for SR400,000 ($106,600) at the 2024 auction. The Mathlouth gyrfalcon hybrid is a prized specimen due to its striking appearance and superior lineage. Gyrfalcons, known as the largest falcon species in the world, are celebrated for their broad-winged, long-tailed bodies and a color spectrum ranging from pure white to brown.
The super white variant, with its pristine plumage, is particularly coveted for its rarity and aesthetic appeal. These traits make it a favorite among falconers who value both beauty and performance in hunting and racing competitions. The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, as is customary, with the bird typically named after its new owner post-sale.
AED 350,000! Congratulations, sold!
— ADIHEX (@ADIHEX) August 17, 2025
Pure Garmousha Falcon – Ultra White from RW Falcon farm, Ukht Al-Saab, winner of the President’s Cup for Falcon Breeding 2024 – 2025, one of the rarest birds, at #ADIHEX2025 auctions in #ADNEC_Centre_AbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/ofyDrQxpuU
This sale was not an isolated event on the auction’s fourth night. A gyrfalcon shaheen from British breeder YLS, a dark brown chick weighing 1,170 grams, also drew significant attention, selling for SR51,000. The competitive bidding for these elite birds reflects the high stakes and passion that define the International Falcon Breeders Auction, where top-tier breeders from around the world showcase their finest specimens.
The International Falcon Breeders Auction: A Global Hub for Falconry
The International Falcon Breeders Auction, organized by the Saudi Falcons Club, has solidified its reputation as the world’s largest and most prestigious event of its kind. Held annually at the club’s headquarters in Malham, the auction brings together elite breeders, falconers, and investors from across the globe.
In 2025, the event features participation from leading breeding farms in countries such as the United States, Spain, France, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom, alongside strong local representation from Saudi Arabia. The auction’s global appeal is evident in its record-breaking sales and the rapid sell-out of inventory from top breeders, with farms like Spain’s Areno and France’s Phil Falcons Center reporting complete sell-outs within the first five days.
The auction serves as more than just a marketplace; it is a dynamic platform for fostering partnerships, sharing knowledge, and advancing falconry practices. Breeders exchange insights on hybridization techniques, breeding standards, and falcon care, while investors seek opportunities to acquire birds that excel in hunting, racing, and beauty competitions. The event’s use of modern technologies, such as live broadcasting on television and social media, allows enthusiasts worldwide to follow the bidding in real time, further amplifying its reach and influence.
This year’s auction has already seen remarkable demand, with sales exceeding SR10 million in 2024 and a history of surpassing SR18 million over the past three years. The 2025 edition is poised to continue this trend, driven by the participation of top-tier farms and the growing popularity of falconry as both a cultural practice and a lucrative investment.
Walid Al-Taweel, spokesperson for the Saudi Falcons Club, emphasized the auction’s role as a trusted global destination, noting that high-value sales have boosted confidence among falconers and breeders. The event’s alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to promote cultural heritage and economic diversification, underscores its broader significance.
Falconry’s Cultural and Economic Impact in Saudi Arabia
Falconry is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Saudi Arabia, where it has been a cherished tradition for thousands of years. Historically, falcons were valued companions of Bedouin travelers, used for hunting in the desert and celebrated for their speed, intelligence, and beauty. Today, falconry remains a symbol of Saudi heritage, with the International Falcon Breeders Auction serving as a modern testament to its enduring relevance. The event not only preserves this ancient practice but also elevates it into a global industry, blending tradition with innovation.
Economically, the auction has become a significant driver of growth in the falconry sector. The high prices commanded by elite falcons, such as the Slovenian super white, reflect the market’s competitiveness and the value placed on rare breeds. For instance, the 2024 auction saw a peregrine falcon chick named Ultra White sell for SR400,000, while a US white gyrfalcon fetched a staggering $466,667 in 2021, setting a world record.
These figures highlight the lucrative potential of falcon breeding, particularly for farms that produce championship-winning birds. The auction’s success has also spurred investment in breeding technologies and medical examinations, ensuring that falcons meet the highest standards of health and quality. Beyond economics, the auction plays a vital role in environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
The Saudi Falcons Club emphasizes sustainable breeding practices and raises awareness about the protection of falcons, which are recognized internationally as endangered. By showcasing breeds like the gyrfalcon and peregrine, the auction highlights the importance of preserving these magnificent birds for future generations. Additionally, the event fosters a sense of community among falconers, who share a passion for the sport and a commitment to its ethical practice.
The auction’s global reach is further evidenced by the participation of international figures, such as the US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Michael Ratney, who visited the 2024 event and praised its showcase of Saudi heritage. Comments from breeders like José Areno of Spain and Philippe Hertel of France underscore the auction’s status as an essential annual event, with many reporting unprecedented sales and networking opportunities. This convergence of local and international stakeholders underscores Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the falconry sector and its ability to bridge tradition with modernity.
The sale of the Slovenian super white falcon for $40,000 at the International Falcon Breeders Auction 2025 is a testament to the allure and prestige of falconry in the modern era. This dazzling transaction, coupled with the auction’s record-breaking history and global participation, highlights the event’s role as a cornerstone of the falconry world. From the competitive bidding for rare breeds to the exchange of knowledge among breeders, the auction embodies the passion, innovation, and cultural significance of falconry.
As the 2025 auction continues through August 25, more extraordinary sales and partnerships are expected, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for falconry. The success of the Slovenian super white falcon, with its striking beauty and impressive lineage, is just one chapter in the ongoing story of this remarkable event. For falconers, breeders, and enthusiasts, the International Falcon Breeders Auction is not just a marketplace—it is a celebration of a timeless tradition that continues to soar to new heights.