Malham: UK Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Stephen Hitchen visited the International Falcon Breeders Auction in Malham, north of Riyadh. He explored events and experiences showcasing the heritage of falconry and its cultural significance, as well as the auction's international participation by falconry breeding farms.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Hitchen expressed his delight at visiting the auction and experiencing falcons in Saudi Arabia up close for the first time, thanking the National Center for Falcons for the warm welcome and hospitality.

The ambassador said he has spent a year in the Kingdom and that the auction marked his first experience with falcons in Saudi Arabia. Although he was aware of the falcon's place in Saudi culture, he said the visit allowed him to see that significance firsthand, describing the experience as unique. He noted that he had previously seen falcons in the UK, but never with the same presence and enthusiasm he witnessed in Saudi Arabia.

Hitchen also expressed interest in learning more about the Kingdom's falconry heritage and related events.

During the visit, Hitchen received a briefing on the auction and its events, the participating local and international farms, and the National Center for Falcons' role in preserving falconry heritage and organizing and developing related activities.

He also watched part of the eighth night of the auction, during which six falcons were sold for a total of SAR312,000 amid competition among falconers and buyers.