Nova Falcons pays SAR 1.3M for hybrid falcon at Riyadh auction

Saudi Arabia’s Nova Falcons bought a Gyr hybrid falcon for SAR 1.3 million at the International Falcon Breeders Auction 2026 in Riyadh, the top price at this year’s event. The purchase is aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s falcon-breeding sector and expanding locally bred birds that can compete internationally.

Why it matters: - Nova Falcons’ SAR 1.3 million purchase sets the high-water mark for the International Falcon Breeders Auction 2026. - The deal highlights Saudi Arabia’s push to build a stronger local falcon-breeding industry. - The bird is intended for breeding, which could help expand Saudi-bred falcons for future domestic and international competition.

What happened: - Nova Falcons bought a Gyr hybrid falcon for SAR 1.3 million ($346,700) at the International Falcon Breeders Auction 2026. - The sale took place at the National Center for Falcons headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. - The purchase was made on the seventh night of the auction after bids from several breeding farms. - The auction runs until Aug. 25 and draws breeders and buyers from Saudi Arabia and other countries.

The details: - Prince Nayef bin Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer, chairman of Nova Falcons, said the purchase is an investment in Saudi Arabia’s falcon-breeding industry. - The falcon comes from an established bloodline and will be used for breeding at Nova Falcons’ farm. - Nova Falcons is seeking to develop locally bred falcons capable of competing internationally. - Prince Nayef said pedigree, physical characteristics and breeding potential justified the price. - The falcon was acquired as a breeding male, and Nova Falcons expects its first offspring. - The National Center for Falcons is chaired by Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef. - The center oversees events and initiatives aimed at preserving falconry traditions and developing the sector nationwide.

Between the lines: - The auction gives Saudi farms direct access to falcons from international breeders, allowing comparisons across bloodlines. - Prince Nayef said the National Center for Falcons has created a trusted international platform for breeders and falconers. - Government support for falconry has helped position Saudi Arabia as a destination for breeders and falconers. - Nova Falcons wants Saudi breeding lines that can compete across falcon categories, especially Gyr falcons. - The company’s longer-term goal is for Saudi-bred falcons to rank among the best internationally.

What's next: - Nova Falcons will use the falcon in its breeding program and watch for its first offspring. - The auction will continue through Aug. 25, with more sales expected. - Saudi breeders will keep using the event to scout bloodlines and strengthen local breeding programs.

The bottom line: - The record purchase shows how Saudi falconry is moving beyond tradition and into a more competitive breeding market.