Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Admired for their heritage, power and beauty, rare falcons sparked strong competition during live auctions held ahead of the 22nd Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX).
ADNEC Group, in partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club, has expanded the auction programme at this year’s ADIHEX to build on last year’s success and meet the growing industry demand.
The exhibition will take place from August 30 to September 7 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. It is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club.
ADIHEX is one of the largest and most significant exhibitions specialising in hunting, equestrianism, and marine sports, dedicated to celebrating Emirati culture and heritage in falconry, hunting, equestrianism, fishing, and outdoor sports.
Speaking to Aletihad, Saad Al-Hasani, ADIHEX Event Director at ADNEC Group, highlighted that the 22nd edition of the exhibition “stands out from previous editions with the launch of the eight falcon auctions”.
Four auctions took place on August 16-17 and August 23-24, and another four were scheduled during the exhibition on August 30-31 and September 6-7.
This year’s event also features the participation of “19 farms, including eight new farms, along with birds of distinguished breeds” - many of which have proven themselves in racing, Al-Hasani said.
The goal, he added, is to “acquire the best breeds, enter the racing world, and support breeders and producers in increasing the number of high-quality birds”.
More than 1,000 falcons from leading local and international farms were evaluated for this year’s ADIHEX, with only the most elite selected for bidding.
Each falcon, competing in categories such as Beauty and Racing Falcons, was meticulously assessed based on weight, colour, and precise wing-span measurements.
The prestigious Elite Falcon Auction opened with Garmousa Pure from RW Farm in the USA, selling for an impressive Dh350,000.
On the second day, a Gyr Pure from JimWelson Farm in Canada fetched Dh90,000.
This was followed on the third day by another falcon from Al Wathba Farm in the UK, selling for Dh70,000.
On the fourth day, a Gyr Shahin from Germany’s German Hunting Farm was sold for Dh50,000.
Besides the live auctions, a secure, electronic platform will be launched when ADIHEX opens on August 30, allowing local and international bidders to participate wherever they are.
“The online platform also features birds on display. We’ll allow people behind screens to bid on the bird from the comfort of their own place or workplace,” Al-Hasani said.
“[It was designed] for those who are involved in business and could not get here. We have made it easy for them to enter the auction effortlessly.”
A Much-Awaited Event
For falconers, such auctions are certainly one of the most highly anticipated events.
“We know that in auctions, farms offer the best birds,” falconer Saif Al Muqbali told Aletihad.
Al Muqbali would be on the lookout for a Gyr falcon at the auctions. For him, falconry is not only a hobby but a cherished tradition meant to be passed on to the next generations.
“Our fathers and grandfathers once practised it as a necessity, not just a hobby. Later, it became a hobby, and our leaders, may God protect them, taught us about it,” he said.
“Now, we teach our children. It is all about conversations, customs and traditions - and keeping your children away from dangers.”
Poet Mubarak Alameri said the remarkable success of the falcon auctions was “no surprise to the UAE”, given the country’s steadfast commitment to its cultural traditions.
“In the past, acquiring and raising falcons was challenging, but thanks to innovation and the visionary leadership of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, everything is possible today.”
