Rare “Super White” falcon sold for AED 250,000 at Abu Dhabi auction

A rare “Super White” falcon has been sold for AED 250,000 (approximately Rs18.9 million) at an international falconry auction in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: A rare “Super White” falcon has been sold for AED 250,000 (approximately Rs18.9 million) at an international falconry auction in Abu Dhabi, attracting considerable attention from falcon enthusiasts and bidders.

The auction took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) as part of the opening auction evening of the international exhibition dedicated to falconry and related traditions. The event became particularly memorable when Emirati bidder Khalid bin Saifan made a dramatic jump in the bidding to secure the rare bird.

The bidding had reached AED 210,000 when Khalid bin Saifan suddenly increased the offer to AED 250,000 in a single bid. His unexpected move surprised the audience gathered in the hall and immediately secured the “Super White” falcon for him. The significant increase demonstrated the high value placed on rare and distinctive falcons among enthusiasts and collectors in the region.

Following his successful bid, Khalid bin Saifan expressed his happiness by reciting a traditional Emirati poetic verse. His celebration added a cultural dimension to an auction that highlighted the long-standing importance of falconry in Emirati heritage.

A total of seven rare birds were presented during the Saturday evening auction. Among them, the “Super White Gyr” emerged as the highest-priced falcon sold during the event. Its exceptional appearance and rarity contributed to the strong interest it received from bidders.

Falconry has deep historical and cultural roots in the United Arab Emirates and remains an important part of the country’s heritage. Events such as these auctions provide falcon enthusiasts with opportunities to acquire rare birds while also promoting traditional practices associated with falconry.

The falcons purchased through the auction will also have an opportunity to obtain an “ADIHEX badge.” The badge will allow eligible falcons to participate in the historic President’s Cup Falconry Competition for the 2026–27 season. The competition is considered an important event in the regional falconry calendar and provides an opportunity for skilled falcons and their handlers to compete at a high level.

The international exhibition itself is scheduled to run from August 28 to September 6. During the exhibition, a total of eight different auctions will be held, giving participants multiple opportunities to bid for rare falcons and other valuable birds.

Both online and in-person bidding options will be available during the upcoming auctions. This approach is expected to attract participants from inside the UAE as well as falconry enthusiasts and collectors from other countries.

The sale of the “Super White Gyr” for AED 250,000 highlights the continuing demand for rare falcons and the financial value attached to exceptional birds. It also demonstrates how traditional Emirati heritage continues to attract interest through modern events that combine cultural preservation, international participation and competitive auctions.

With seven birds already presented during the opening auction evening and seven more auctions scheduled during the exhibition, further high-value sales could take place in the coming days. The event is expected to remain a major gathering for falconers, breeders, collectors and enthusiasts interested in the preservation and development of falconry traditions.

The successful sale of the rare “Super White” falcon has therefore provided an impressive start to the auction programme, while also underscoring the cultural significance and enduring popularity of falconry in the UAE.