International falcon breeding auction boosts falconry-linked economy

The recent international falcon breeding auction in Malham, north of Riyadh, has underscored the expansion of the falconry-linked economy in Saudi Arabia. Organized by the National Center for Falcons, the event brings together breeding farms, falconers, and investors, fostering a diverse array of economic activities and services. This has led to a surge in investment opportunities within the nation's falconry heritage.

The growth of falcon breeding farms has opened new pathways in sectors such as production, veterinary services, transportation, preparation, and marketing. Concurrently, the demand for falcon-related supplies has risen, while the auction has created a specialized marketplace that links farms with buyers both within the Kingdom and abroad.

Ghazi Al-Otaibi, a falcon breeding farm owner, remarked on the continuous growth in investment for breeding farms. He pointed out the shift in perception of falcons, no longer merely viewed as a pastime or tradition, but now recognized as valuable assets with economic worth, facilitated by a well-structured market that connects producers to potential buyers.

Abdulaziz Al-Sulaiman, from the sales department of a Saudi-Canadian farm, confirmed that the auction has opened new commercial avenues for the breeding farms. The farm, participating for the first time with 25 falcons, has observed robust sales activity since the event commenced. Moreover, preparations are underway to present four distinguished falcons on the auction platform in the coming nights.

The falconry sector's economic impacts extend beyond the mere breeding and sale of falcons, encompassing veterinary services, falcon supplies, transportation, preparation, training, and marketing. Moreover, the sector benefits from modern technologies that monitor production and enhance farm efficiency, thereby elevating the quality and competitiveness of falcons.