The 2024 International Falcon Breeders Auction (IFBA), hosted by the Saudi Falcons Club, concluded its first session, setting a new benchmark in falconry. The event, which spanned 20 days, generated over 10 million riyals from the sales of 866 distinguished falcons to new owners. With participation from 56 top breeding farms representing 19 countries, the IFBA solidified its position as a global leader in the falconry community.
Waleed Al-Taweel, spokesperson for the Saudi Falcons Club, highlighted the event’s fourth year as a spectacular showcase of world-class birds. Held at the club’s Melham headquarters north of Riyadh, the auction featured hundreds of premier falcons over 11 nights of intense bidding. Beyond the main auction floor, participating breeders’ pavilions buzzed with activity, offering attendees the opportunity to view and acquire exceptional birds throughout the event’s duration.
This year, the auction featured an unparalleled selection of high-quality, unique, and award-winning falcons, reflecting the growing global demand for these magnificent birds. This trend is further exemplified by the recent announcement of major prizes for falcons participating in the upcoming King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival on November 28th, an event expected to attract leading falconers from both within the Kingdom and internationally.
One notable sale at this year’s auction was a young Ultra White Gyr hybrid, which fetched an impressive 400,000 riyals. Bred by Pacific Northwest Falcons in the U.S., this sale underscores the auction’s extensive international reach. “Our auction has established itself as the top venue for high-caliber falcons globally,” Al-Taweel remarked, emphasizing the event’s vibrant and competitive nature, attracting participants from across the globe.
The IFBA gained further visibility through live television broadcasts and streaming on the club’s social media platforms, captivating a global audience of falcon enthusiasts. This year’s event showcased an unprecedented range of participating farms, expanding investment opportunities in falconry and fostering growth among Saudi breeders. These local farms benefit from engaging with global best practices and insights shared by international breeders.
As the leading global forum for falcon trade, the auction convenes falconers and breeders annually, operating under strict protocols set by the Saudi Falcons Club. The auction plays a crucial role in supporting the club’s mission to lead in falconry innovation, encompassing breeding, raising, and the care of these noble birds. It not only preserves falconry’s rich cultural legacy but also aims to establish the Kingdom as a top destination for falconers and falcons worldwide.
