Malham:Riyadh The National Center for Falcons Auction 2026 is set to commence on October 1 and will run until November 30. This marks the seventh edition of the event, which has successfully generated approximately SAR45.3 million from the sale of 455 falcons since its inception in 2020, attracting hundreds of falconers from various locations across the Kingdom.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the auction began in 2020 with sales reaching SAR10 million for 102 falcons. The following year, 2021, saw sales of SAR8.3 million for 95 falcons, with the participation of 237 falconers. In 2022, the auction achieved SAR7.1 million in sales for 81 falcons. The 2023 auction featured 87 falcons and garnered SAR7.4 million, attracting 278 falconers. In 2024, the auction presented 50 falcons from 30 locations, generating about SAR6 million with 165 falconers participating. The 2025 edition sold 40 falcons for SAR6.4 million, with 119 falconers involved from 35 trapping sites.
The auction exclusively features migratory juvenile peregrine falcons, known as shaheen bahri, that are trapped within the Kingdom. Adult peregrines, known as qarnas, and saker falcons, known as hur, are excluded from the auction to ensure their sustainability and preserve the breeds.
During the trapping season, field teams from the center spread across the Kingdom to assist trappers, facilitating the transport of their falcons to the auction. The center also provides transportation and accommodation, documents sales, and presents the birds in a live competitive auction setting.
The event takes place at the center's headquarters in Malham, located north of Riyadh, and is broadcast on television and social media to allow falconers and enthusiasts to follow the bidding process.
