International Auction Sees European Falcon Breeders Converge on Riyadh
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, August 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — European falcon breeders are increasing their footprint at the 2026 International Falcon Breeders Auction in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, underscoring the event’s expanding significance as a worldwide trading hub that connects producers, falconers and buyers with Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region.
This year’s participants include breeders from France, Austria, the United Kingdom, Germany and Slovakia, along with others from various European nations. Organizers note that this international involvement widens the variety of falcons available to purchasers and fortifies direct connections between European breeders and Gulf markets.
Sandra Baum, owner of SB Falcons based in France, urged falcon enthusiasts and those interested in cultural experiences to visit the auction, stating that Saudi Arabia had become a global destination for falconry through its blend of organization, hospitality and traditional heritage.
European breeders are attracted by the scale and appeal of the Saudi market, as well as the chance to access a wide community of falconers and buyers.
The auction is also tied to competitions run by the National Center for Falcons. The center has set aside all juvenile-category rounds in the Al-Melwah racing competitions for falcons sold through the auction, giving purchased birds extra competitive value and providing breeders with another reason to take part.
Portuguese breeder Henrique Cania, who owns one of the participating farms, said that achieving success at the auction depended on producing high-quality falcons. He added that breeding quality was not solely a matter of preparation, and noted that his farm had chosen strong gyrfalcon and peregrine bloodlines—including Canadian, Finnish and Scottish lines—since establishing its breeding center roughly ten years ago.
Austrian falconer Ali Mughal, owner of Valley Club Falcon, said that a positive experience at last year’s event led him to bring 100 falcons to the auction this year. He remarked that the event had continued to improve and had become a secure and trustworthy marketplace for selling captive-bred falcons.
The growing European involvement comes as the auction aims to reinforce Riyadh’s status as a global hub for captive-bred falcons.
In 2025, the auction achieved sales exceeding 13 million Saudi riyals ($3.5 million), with 1,103 falcons sold by 67 farms from 23 countries. More than 20,000 people attended the event—figures that organizers say demonstrate its expanding international appeal.
The 2026 auction runs from August 5 to 25 at the National Center for Falcons headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh.
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