Most expensive falcon sold nets $53,600 at Saudi Falcon Club auction

The most expensive falcon broke the previous record, which was set on the first night of the auction, for a Peregrine (Shaheen) falcon from Al-Masnaah. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 12 October 2021
Follow

Most expensive falcon sold nets $53,600 at Saudi Falcon Club auction

  • Five falcons were sold on the eighth night of the Saudi Falcons Club’s second auction with a combined value of $117,600
  • Event is being held north of Riyadh and will run until Nov. 15.

RIYADH: A young falcon in Saudi Arabia was sold for SR201,000 ($53,600), which was the most expensive falcon sold on the eighth night of the Saudi Falcons Club’s second auction, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The event, organized by the club in Malham, north of Riyadh, will run until Nov. 15.

Five falcons were sold on Tuesday with a combined value of $117,600.

The most expensive falcon broke the previous record, which was set on the first night of the auction, for a Peregrine (Shaheen) falcon from Al-Masnaah. It was owned by falconer Taamees Al-Anzi and sold for $45,300.

Tuesday’s bidding started at $13,300 for the Peregrine (Shaheen) falcon from Jubail. Before it was sold for the new record, it was owned by falconers Fahd Al-Souwaiket and Rashid Raja Al-Hajiri.

The auction started with the first Peregrine (Shaheen) falcon (in the Qurnas category) from Dibdiba that was sold for $7,470. It was owned by falconers Ibrahim Aashi Al-Aanzi, Sultan Aashi Al-Aanzi, Faisal Aashi Al-Aanzi, Sami Saqr Al-Aanzi, Majid Aashi Al-Aanzi, Majid Suleiman Al-Aanzi, Mohammed Salameh Al-Aanzi, Abdullah Aashi Al-Aanzi and Abdullay Subeih Al-Aanzi.

The second Peregrine (Shaheen) falcon (in the Qurnas category) was from Wadi Bayed and was owned by falconers Gaby Ahmed Khalwi and Gebran Mohammed Athlawi before it was sold for $6,930.

In the same class, the third falcon from Labkhah (West of Riyadh) was sold for $14,900. It was owned by falconers Fayez Khalif Al-Omeiry, Salman Duhais Al-Kalwi, Fahd Eid Al-Omeiry, and Sultan Mehdi Al-Qahtani. The night ended with the fifth Peregrine (Shaheen) falcon from Wadi Bayed, owned by Abdullah Mohammed Bahloul, as it was sold for $34,700.

The Saudi leadership is interested in promoting the falconry heritage and serving falconers in the Kingdom and the region. The auction aims to support investment in falcons, develop falcon auctions and organize their purchase and sale.

It offers several advantages for participating falconers. The club’s five teams receive them in the central, eastern, northern, northwestern, and southwestern regions. They also examine the bird and document its bid.

The Saudi Falcons Club also provided housing and transportation for falcon owners to the auction site. The competitive bidding is broadcast live on television and the club’s accounts on social media platforms, along with the sale and purchase not being subject to any charges.

Following the sale of the falcon, an export certificate is issued, an electronic anklet is installed and official records are issued to finish the sales procedure.

The weapons pavilions at the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition will open its doors for five additional days, after the Saudi Falcons Club accommodated the wishes of hunting trips enthusiasts and extended the pavilion through Oct. 15.


Saudi Roads Authority launches ‘mobile sites’ service for pilgrims during bus breakdowns on Hijra Road

Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Roads Authority launches ‘mobile sites’ service for pilgrims during bus breakdowns on Hijra Road

RIYADH: The Roads General Authority has launched a “mobile sites” service for pilgrims on the Hijra Road in the event their buses break down.

The service is intended to ensure the highest levels of comfort and safety for pilgrims when traveling between Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The launch was attended by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.

This initiative is being implemented on the Hijra Expressway (Makkah-Madinah) and is available around the clock during Hajj season. It can accommodate approximately 40 pilgrims and is equipped with air-conditioning units, rest areas, restrooms, cold beverages, and hospitality meals.

 


Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is delivering religious programming to serve pilgrims.
Updated 1 min 53 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season

  • Digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry’s contemporary outreach strategy, SPA said

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has intensified its digital broadcasting output throughout the current Hajj season, delivering comprehensive religious programming to serve pilgrims and global Muslim audiences via its official YouTube channel.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry’s digital strategy features four daily lectures in three distinct programs: “Barnamaj Dahawi” (Religious Program), “Khayr Al-Ayyam” (Best of Days) and the fourth iteration of “Hajj Talk,” with broadcasts continuing through 13/12/1446 AH (June 9, 2025).

“Religious Program” episodes are broadcast twice daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., while “Best of Days” airs at 4 p.m. The flagship “Hajj Talk” program concludes the daily schedule at 6 p.m. This systematic approach shows the ministry’s commitment to harnessing contemporary digital platforms, aligning with technological progress while amplifying the reach and impact of Islamic messaging. The live streaming format enables real-time engagement with audiences domestic and international audiences.

The daily programming addresses themes relevant to the pilgrimage season, including detailed explanations of Hajj purposes and legal rulings, the spiritual significance of righteous deeds during the days of Dhul-Hijjah, and proper conduct during sacred rituals.

“Hajj Talk” distinguishes itself by focusing on prophetic values, delivered through modern presentation methods while extracting practical guidance from the Prophet Mohammed’s pilgrimage example.

According to SPA, digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry’s contemporary outreach strategy, supporting its broader mission to promote religious moderation and ensure universal access to authentic Islamic content. It allows pilgrims and viewers worldwide to access religious guidance regardless of location or time constraints.

 


Students from Islamic University of Madinah to guide pilgrims in Hajj animal sacrifice

Updated 28 min 15 sec ago
Follow

Students from Islamic University of Madinah to guide pilgrims in Hajj animal sacrifice

  • Saudi Arabia’s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi was established in 1983

MADINAH: Muslim students from the Islamic University of Madinah in the Hejaz Region are participating in the Hajj rituals of Hady and Adahi by offering guidance on animal sacrifice this weekend.

Some 300 students representing 40 nationalities will take part in the annual sacrifice of animals through Saudi Arabia’s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi.

Students will educate and guide pilgrims, ensuring adherence to the Prophet’s Sunnah during the performance of the rituals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The project was established in 1983 to carry on the Hady and Adahi rituals on behalf of any Muslim, and supervise the use of Hajj meat and its distribution to the destitute.

During pilgrimage, which concludes this year on Monday, June 9, pilgrims are required to sacrifice an animal in a ritual called Hady.

Adahi is a voluntary sacrifice for non-pilgrim Muslims which takes place on the day of Eid Al-Adha.

In collaboration with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the student initiative aims to supervise the rituals according to Islamic law, the SPA added.


Saudi Arabia provides more than 91,000 healthcare services to pilgrims in run-up to Hajj

The Medical Services Center in Mina continues its efforts as part of final preparations for the 2025 Hajj season. (MoH)
Updated 30 min 22 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia provides more than 91,000 healthcare services to pilgrims in run-up to Hajj

  • 51,938 pilgrims treated at health centers, 22,486 emergency cases handled , and outpatient care provided for 1,069 people
  • Surgeons carry out 16 open-heart surgeries and 145 cardiac catheterizations; 44 cases of heat exhaustion treated

RIYADH: The Saudi healthcare system continues to operate at full capacity during the 2025 Hajj season and has so far provided more than 91,000 health services to pilgrims, official statistics reveal.

As of June 2, health providers had treated 51,938 pilgrims at health centers, handled 22,486 emergency cases, and provided outpatient care for 1,069 people. A total of 4,119 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, 1,973 of whom required intensive care.

Surgeons successfully carried out 16 open-heart surgeries and 145 cardiac catheterizations, the figures show. In addition, 44 cases of heat exhaustion were treated.

Saudi healthcare authorities said they remain committed to safeguarding the well-being of pilgrims during their spiritual journeys, through the coordinated efforts of healthcare providers to deliver high-quality and efficient medical care.

This aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Health Sector Transformation Program and the Guests of Allah Service Program, as part Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to provide pilgrims with a safe and medically supported environment that meets international health standards, they added.


Saudi scouts survey pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina

Updated 02 June 2025
Follow

Saudi scouts survey pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina

  • The survey is part of the Ministry of Sport's efforts to support pilgrims and guide those who are lost

MAKKAH: A total of 800 members of the Ministry of Sports’ scouting team began surveying pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina on Monday.

The surveys include collecting field information about pilgrims’ housing, landmarks, pedestrian paths and the headquarters of government agencies taking part in serving pilgrims.

It is part of the ministry’s efforts to support pilgrims and guide those who are lost, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The Ministry of Sports has five scout camps in Mina, located in Al-Mu’aisam 1-2, Al-Rabwa, Wadi Muhsar and the Operations Camp.

A preparatory course for the scouts was also held before their departure to Mina.

The four-day program aimed to prepare them to serve the guests of God, focusing on areas including teamwork, leadership and crowd management.

Thousands of volunteers every year assist the pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, which sees about 2 million worshipers visit over the five days.

Volunteers work to support healthcare, provide meals, manage crowds and assist with transport.