Saudi Investor Pays SAR 1.3 Million for Gyr Hybrid Falcon to Boost Kingdom's Breeding Sector

Saudi Investor Pays SAR 1.3 Million for Gyr Hybrid Falcon to Boost Kingdom's Breeding Sector

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, August 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Saudi Arabia’s Nova Falcons has bought a Gyr hybrid falcon for SAR 1.3 million ($346,700) at the International Falcon Breeders Auction 2026, the highest price paid for a falcon at this year’s event.

Prince Nayef bin Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer, Chairman of Nova Falcons, said the purchase was an investment in the development of Saudi Arabia’s falcon-breeding industry.

The falcon, which comes from an established bloodline, will be used for breeding at Nova Falcons’ farm as the company seeks to develop locally bred falcons capable of competing internationally.

“At Nova Falcons, we look for exceptional bloodlines that can make a meaningful contribution to our breeding program,” Prince Nayef said. “This falcon has the qualities and pedigree we were seeking.”

The falcon attracted bids from several breeding farms when it was offered on the seventh night of the auction before Nova Falcons secured the sale.

Prince Nayef said its pedigree, physical characteristics and breeding potential justified the price.

“We acquired it as a breeding male and look forward to seeing its first offspring,” he said. “We expect it to make an important contribution to falcon breeding in Saudi Arabia.”

The auction is being held at the headquarters of the National Center for Falcons in Malham, north of Riyadh, and runs until August 25. It brings together falcon breeders and buyers from Saudi Arabia and other countries.

Prince Nayef said the event gives Saudi farms direct access to falcons from leading international breeders, allowing them to compare bloodlines and select falcons suited to their breeding programs.

“The National Center for Falcons has established a trusted international platform that brings together breeders and falconers from around the world,” he said. “It gives local farms access to distinguished bloodlines that can support the development of Saudi breeding.”

The National Center for Falcons is chaired by Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef. It oversees events and initiatives aimed at preserving falconry traditions and developing the sector nationwide.

Prince Nayef said government support for falconry had helped establish Saudi Arabia as an international destination for breeders and falconers.

Nova Falcons aims to establish Saudi breeding lines that can compete across different falcon categories, particularly Gyr falcons.

“Our goal is for Saudi-bred falcons to rank among the best internationally and for the Kingdom to become a leading source of high-quality falcons with strong bloodlines,” Prince Nayef said.

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