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RIYADH: Prince Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf, the acting vice minister of interior, received Ambassador of China to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and topics of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah began an official visit to Kazakhstan on Sunday as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen cooperation and ease the arrival of worshippers to the two holy mosques.

RIYADH: A falcon was sold on Saturday for SR1.2 million ($320,000) at the International Falcon Breeders Auction in Malham, north of Riyadh.

The super white pure gyr farkh, from the US-based RX farm, was the most expensive bird sold at this year’s event, which ends on Monday.

Two shaheen gyr farkhs also sold on Saturday, one from the UK-based Border Falcons Farm for SR28,000 and the other from the Falcon Mews Farm in the UK for SR48,000.

Falcon owner Mohammed Al-Blaidan has purchased several birds from the auction in recent years and said that its organizers Saudi Falcons Club had played a pivotal role in bringing the breeders together under one roof.

He added: “Uniting efforts under the club’s umbrella has greatly facilitated logistical matters, and we are now dealing with a single, well-known entity which adds a sense of professionalism and organization to the entire sector.

“However, I believe that providing larger and more spacious areas for exhibitors would be an important step in developing these events and making them more attractive to participants and buyers from around the world.”

Al-Blaidan explained that the efforts of local companies served to enhance and preserve the Kingdom’s falconry heritage for future generations.

He noted that “falconry is an integral part of our identity, and supporting it means preserving a living heritage.”

He also spoke about how social media is popularizing falconry in the modern age, and added: “The role of social media platforms in developing this hobby and spreading it globally cannot be overlooked.

“They are an effective tool for communication, exchanging experiences, and showcasing products, and they have contributed to attracting a new section of young people to this authentic heritage.”

He expressed great optimism about a sport that can attract “amateurs, experts, and tourists from all over the world, which will in turn directly contribute to strengthening the national economy.”

Club spokesperson Walid Al-Tawil told Arab News that “the falconry sector is one of the sectors with high-market value, both locally and regionally.”

He added: “The auction contributes to raising this value by bringing together the most prominent producers in one place, enhancing competition and generating greater returns for breeders and investors.”

He said the auction opened doors to new projects, including the establishment of specialized farms, advanced falcon care and training services, along with eco-tourism programs linked to falconry activities, providing diverse investment opportunities.