European falcon breeders expand presence at Riyadh auction

Breeders from across Europe are taking part in the International Falcon Breeders Auction 2026 in Riyadh, underscoring the event’s rise as a major marketplace for captive-bred falcons. Organizers say the auction is strengthening links between European producers and buyers in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.

Why it matters: - The International Falcon Breeders Auction 2026 is becoming a larger gateway between European breeders and buyers in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. - The event is also helping Riyadh build its role as an international center for captive-bred falcons. - The auction adds commercial value by linking sales to falcon racing competitions.

What happened: - European falcon breeders from France, Austria, Britain, Germany and Slovakia are participating in the auction in Riyadh this year. - Other European countries are also represented at the event. - The 2026 auction runs from Aug. 5 to 25 at the National Center for Falcons headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. - Organizers say the international turnout is broadening the range of falcons available to buyers and strengthening direct ties between European breeders and Gulf markets.

The details: - Sandra Baum, owner of France-based SB Falcons, invited falcon enthusiasts and visitors interested in cultural experiences to attend the auction. - Baum said Saudi Arabia has become an international destination for falconry because of its organization, hospitality and traditional heritage. - European breeders are attracted by the size of the Saudi market and the chance to reach a wider base of falconers and buyers. - The National Center for Falcons has allocated all juvenile-category rounds in Al-Melwah racing competitions to falcons sold through the auction. - That arrangement gives purchased falcons added competitive value and gives breeders another reason to take part. - Portuguese breeder Henrique Cania, owner of one of the participating farms, said auction success depends on producing high-quality falcons. - Cania said breeding quality is not determined by preparation alone. - Cania’s farm has used strong gyrfalcon and peregrine bloodlines, including Canadian, Finnish and Scottish lines, since starting 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 led him to bring 100 falcons to this year’s auction. - Mughal said the event has continued to develop and has become a safe and reliable market for selling captive-bred falcons. - In 2025, the auction recorded sales of more than 13 million Saudi riyals, or $3.5 million. - Last year’s event sold 1,103 falcons from 67 farms across 23 countries. - More than 20,000 people visited the 2025 auction.

Between the lines: - The growing European presence signals that Riyadh is drawing more global supply into a market that already has strong regional demand. - The competition tie-in gives the auction a second value proposition beyond straight sales, which can make participation more attractive for breeders. - The 2025 results suggest the auction is scaling in both sales volume and international reach.

What's next: - The 2026 auction is expected to continue drawing breeders who want access to Gulf buyers and competition-linked demand. - The event’s performance this year will likely shape whether Riyadh deepens its position as a hub for captive-bred falcons.

The bottom line: - European breeders are treating Riyadh as a serious market, and the auction’s mix of sales, competition and scale is helping pull more global players into the fold.