European Falcon Breeders Gather in Riyadh for International Auction

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, August 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- European falcon breeders are expanding their presence at the International Falcon Breeders Auction 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, highlighting the event’s growing role as a global marketplace connecting producers, falconers and buyers with Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.

Breeders from France, Austria, Britain, Germany and Slovakia are among those taking part this year, alongside participants from other European countries. Organizers say the international participation broadens the range of falcons available to buyers and strengthens direct links between European breeders and Gulf markets.

Sandra Baum, owner of France-based SB Falcons, invited falcon enthusiasts and visitors interested in cultural experiences to attend the auction, saying Saudi Arabia had become an international destination for falconry through its combination of organization, hospitality and traditional heritage.

European breeders are being drawn by the size and appeal of the Saudi market, as well as the opportunity to reach a broad base of falconers and buyers.

The auction has also been linked to competitions organized by the National Center for Falcons. The center has allocated all juvenile-category rounds in Al-Melwah racing competitions to falcons sold through the auction, giving purchased falcons additional competitive value and offering breeders a further incentive to participate.

Portuguese breeder Henrique Cania, owner of one of the participating farms, said success at the auction depended on producing high-quality falcons. He said breeding quality was not determined by preparation alone, adding that his farm had selected strong gyrfalcon and peregrine bloodlines, including Canadian, Finnish and Scottish lines, since establishing its breeding center about 10 years ago.

Austrian falconer Ali Mughal, owner of Valley Club Falcon, said a successful experience at last year’s event prompted him to bring 100 falcons to the auction this year. He said the event had continued to develop and had become a safe and reliable market for selling captive-bred falcons.

The growing European presence comes as the auction seeks to strengthen Riyadh’s position as an international center for captive-bred falcons.

In 2025, the auction recorded sales of more than 13 million Saudi riyals ($3.5 million), with 1,103 falcons sold by 67 farms from 23 countries. More than 20,000 people visited the event, figures that organizers say reflect its expanding international reach.

The 2026 auction runs from Aug. 5 to 25 at the National Center for Falcons headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh.

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