Rare White Falcon Fetches High Auction Price

Rare Falcon Sold for 350,000 Dirham at Abu Dhabi Auction

An exciting bidding war took place on the opening night of the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), where seven specially bred falcons were auctioned. The highlight of the evening was a rare white American Garmousha Pure, which was eventually bought for 350,000 dirhams.

"The Bride of the Ball"

The extraordinary bird was aptly named the "Bride of the Ball" by the auction host, referring not only to its beauty but also to its exceptional genetic value. The falcon's auction lasted over half an hour, eventually being secured by a Qatari collector. The Garmousha lineage is highly valued among breeders, especially in beauty contests, said an experienced auction mediator who regularly bids on behalf of online clients.

The new owner had already indicated that there was no upper limit: the price had to be raised until the bird was acquired. Many in the audience marveled at the bird's restless behavior—a common phenomenon for falcons of this caliber when tension is high.

Opening Night Falcons and Their Prices

The bidding began with a Gyr Pure from the Dutch Naseem Falcon Farm. As soon as the falcon's hood was removed, offers surged—in three minutes, it went from 25,000 to 40,000 dirhams. The host's words—"Let's show its face... wow, masha’Allah!"—further heightened interest.

The full auction sequence proceeded in the following order:

1. Gyr Pure (Netherlands, Naseem Falcon Farm) – Dh40,000

2. Gyr Shaheen (Spain, Mabrook Falcon Farm) – Dh29,000

3. Gyr Hur (United Arab Emirates, Al Sarami Falcon Farm) – Dh50,000

4. Garmousha Pure (USA, RW Farm) – Dh350,000

5. Gyr Taba (Spain, Falcon Centre) – Dh35,000

6. Gyr Taba (Spain, Falcon Centre) – Dh28,000

7. Gyr Taba (Spain, Falcon Centre) – Dh14,000

Only the Best Under the Hammer

According to ADIHEX's director, the presented birds represent the highest standards. He stated that from over 1,000 birds, seven falcons were selected for the initial auction. Over the following eight weekends, further live auctions can be expected, with 7-10 birds up for bidding each evening.

The opening night's birds belong to the elite category, but during the exhibition, various categories will be featured, broadening the audience's access. There will be mid-range and "audience-friendly" priced falcons, making this world accessible to those interested in falconry.

The director added that they hope to exceed the record price this year. The previous record-holding falcon was sold for a million dirhams, and breaking this is also a goal.

Experienced Falconer Joins the Race

Not all bidders found success. A 48-year-old falconer, who has been dealing with birds for 32 years, offered 25,000 dirhams for a Gyr Shaheen but lost at 29,000. He explained that the Gyr Shaheen performs exceptionally well when hunting, standing out with its speed and bravery, as well as having great stamina—even comparable to a camel.

The falconer nostalgically recalled his first falcon, a Gyr Garmousha acquired at 17. He stated he dislikes already trained birds—his true challenge and joy lies in training untamed, wild birds himself.

Why Is the Garmousha So Valuable?

The Garmousha lineage's uniqueness lies in its excellent genetic attributes and success in breeding. The recently auctioned specimen belongs to the "Ultra White" sibling line, consistently finishing first in every competition it enters. This implies that it holds extraordinary value not only as a hobby or competition bird but also as a long-term investment.

Keeping such falcons is not merely a prestige issue but often a business decision—mainly for those engaged in breeding. The Garmousha is particularly rare and internationally recognized, making it unsurprising that the highest price of the opening night was associated with it.

Falconry in Modern Emirates

The UAE holds a special place in the world of falconry. Falcon keeping is an integral part of the country's cultural heritage, preserving traditions while aligning with modern expectations. Events like ADIHEX are not just exhibitions or commercial occasions but celebrations of cultural identity.

The event aims to encourage public interest in falconry while ensuring that the highest quality birds are sold—both for competition and breeding.

(Source based on events from the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX).)