Bidders swoop in to make bids on prized falcons at Abu Dhabi's Adihex auction

On Sunday evening, falcon merchants and breeders engaged in bidding wars at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, with the prized birds fetching hundreds of thousands of dirhams. Abu Dhabi's Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, set to commence on August 28, was the backdrop for the auctions. The highest price paid was Dh255,000 for a Pure Gyr falcon, believed to weigh over 2kg.

It originated from a UAE government farm, and its purchase drew the attention of a Bahraini bidder, Salman Albalooshi, who expressed little concern for the steep price tag. Albalooshi, who operates a falcon farm in Dubai, emphasized the unity and heritage of falconry across the Gulf. A Dubai-based bidder, Ammar bin Humaid Al Marri, was also drawn to the auctions by his passion for falcons, which he promotes through a popular Instagram account with over 150,000 followers.

The event, which includes some of the finest falcons, featured seven birds in total, with some expected to surpass Dh30,000 in value. Participation in the auctions is supported by government initiatives, ensuring the tradition's continued vitality. The exhibition, which highlights falconry, hunting, equestrian sports, and fishing, also aims to promote environmental preservation and the UAE's rich culture.