A single Mongolian falcon has become the headline act of this year’s Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition, after a Friday evening auction produced a record-breaking bid of roughly $373,000 for the bird. The sale underscores the deepening appeal of these raptors among wealthy falconry enthusiasts in the Gulf, where the sport carries deep cultural roots.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, October 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The record-setting transaction took place during the fifth auction evening of the event, which featured three young Mongolian falcons put up for bid. In total, the evening’s sales reached approximately $440,000, with the standout bird accounting for the lion’s share of that sum.
The auction progressed steadily through the lots: the first falcon sold for about $40,000, and the second went for roughly $27,000. The final bird, however, drew intense competition. Bidding on that lot opened at approximately $27,000 before climbing sharply to the eventual winning bid of around $373,000 — a new high-water mark for a Mongolian falcon at this exhibition.
This marks the second consecutive year the exhibition has carved out a dedicated area for Mongolian falcons, a move that reflects surging interest among falconers in Saudi Arabia and across the broader region. The birds are prized for their large frames, long wingspans, endurance in flight, and varied plumage, making them a standout attraction for both serious collectors and casual visitors alike.
The live auction format is designed to give falconers the chance to inspect the birds up close and place bids directly, adding to the event’s international flavor and drawing together members of the global falconry community. It is a hands-on experience that organizers say strengthens the exhibition’s role as a meeting point for the sport’s most dedicated practitioners.
Hosted by the National Center for Falcons, the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2026 is taking place at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, north of Riyadh. Running under the theme “A Destination for Everyone,” the show continues through Saturday and encompasses falconry demonstrations, hunting exhibits, outdoor activities, adventure showcases, and a variety of interactive experiences for attendees.
Why it matters: The record price for a Mongolian falcon signals that demand for premium birds is not just holding steady but rising, even as the exhibition itself expands its global reach. For falconers and breeders, this auction outcome could set a new benchmark for valuation, while for the broader region it reinforces the Gulf’s position as the epicenter of high-stakes falconry commerce.
Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2026
SFC
