Falcon center to launch 2026 events with August auction in Malham

The National Center for Falcons will open its first event under newly approved regulations with an international breeders auction running Aug. 5-25 at its headquarters north of Riyadh. The lineup follows cabinet-backed changes aimed at strengthening Saudi Arabia’s falconry sector and expanding the center’s global role.

Why it matters: - The International Falcon Breeders Auction is the National Center for Falcons’ first event under its newly approved regulations. - The updated framework is designed to expand the center’s role in developing and regulating Saudi Arabia’s falconry sector. - The event also supports Saudi Arabia’s push to remain a global hub for falconry.

What happened: - The National Center for Falcons will hold the International Falcon Breeders Auction from Aug. 5 to 25. - The auction will take place at the center’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. - The center will use the auction to kick off its 2026 events calendar.

The details: - The auction will include booths for local and international falcon farms. - The event will feature displays of falconry equipment and supplies. - A dedicated Future Falconer booth will target younger and new participants. - Visitors will see interactive shows and live bidding on captive-bred falcons. - The auction is meant to showcase falcons bred in Saudi Arabia and abroad. - The center said interest is expected to rise after it announced earlier this year that all rounds of its competitions will be reserved for young falcons purchased at the auction. - Last year’s auction included 1,103 falcons from 67 farms across 23 countries. - Last year’s sales topped SR 13 million. - More than 20,000 people attended the event last year.

Between the lines: - The auction is positioned as both a commercial event and a sector-building platform. - The competition rule tying entries to auction purchases could steer more buyers toward younger birds. - The packed 2026 calendar suggests the center is broadening its public-facing role beyond the auction itself.

What's next: - The Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition will run Oct. 1-10. - The Milwah Falcon Racing Competition will run Oct. 4-9. - The National Center for Falcons Auction will run Oct. 1-Nov. 30. - The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival will run Nov. 17-30. - The National Center for Falcons Cup will run Dec. 21-28. - The auction and follow-on events will give the center a full year of programming tied to falconry, trade and competition.

The bottom line: - The National Center for Falcons is using a revamped regulatory mandate and a busy 2026 event slate to deepen Saudi Arabia’s grip on the global falconry market.