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RIYADH: A falcon chick fetched SR151,000 ($40,000) at the annual International Falcon Breeders Auction in Malham here on Tuesday, becoming the most expensive sale so far at the gathering.

The bidding for the Mathlouth gyrfalcon hybrid super white, from the farm of the Slovenian breeder GP, started at SR50,000. The bird is under a year old, about 40 centimeters in height, and weighs just over 1 kg.

The identity of the buyer has not been revealed and it is usual practice for the bird to be named after it is sold.

The hybrid was not the only bird sold on Tuesday, the fourth night of the auction organized by the Saudi Falcons Club and held at its headquarters until Aug. 25.

Bidders also competed for a gyrfalcon shaheen falcon, from British breeder YLS, with the dark brown chick, weighing 1.1 kg, eventually selling for SR51,000.

The gyrfalcon, or gyr, is the largest species in the world and ranges in color from pure white to brown. The birds have large, broad-winged and long-tailed bodies and are highly sought-after by breeders and enthusiasts.

A Mathlouth gyrfalcon, a gyrfalcon shaheen and a gyrfalcon pure will go under the hammer on Wednesday night.

Last year, a peregrine falcon chick named Ultra White sold for SR400,000 in a record for the event. Its American breeder Pacific Northwest Falcons also sold another peregrine chick named Super White for SR86,000.

That auction concluded with SR10 million in sales after 866 falcons were bought. A domestic auction by the club last year raised nearly SR6 million.

With a history of exceeding SR18 million in sales over the past three years, the auction introduces new international breeding farms and fosters collaboration among producers and investors.

Walid Al-Taweel, spokesperson for the Saudi Falcons Club, told Arab News on Tuesday the auction has attracted some of the world’s top breeders and falconers.

“The auction utilizes modern technologies in sales and medical examinations. It also features live broadcasting, which allows real-time viewing of the auction from around the world,” he said.

The annual auction also provides a platform for falconers to learn about the latest breeding and hybridization techniques and share knowledge with fellow experts from around the world.

It plays a significant role in preserving and promoting ��������’s cultural, economic, and historical heritage in line with Vision 2030.

Speaking to Arab News on Monday, New Zealand Ambassador Charles Kingston described the visit as “fun and fascinating.”

“Beautiful falcons on display and a wonderful showcase of the Kingdom’s rich heritage and culture,” he said.

A common companion of Bedouin travelers, hunting with falcons was also an integral part of Arabian culture for thousands of years.

NEOM: ��������’s Cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned remarks by the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, regarding his vision for a so-called “Greater Israel,” and rejected what it described as expansionist settlement projects that violate the rule of international law and undermine Palestinian rights.

During a meeting in NEOM chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Cabinet members reaffirmed the Kingdom’s firm stance on the historical and legal right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent, sovereign state on their lands.

Ministers also denounced recent approvals for new Israeli settlements in areas around occupied Jerusalem, and called on the international community, particularly the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to take immediate action to halt what they described as crimes against the Palestinian people and ensure that Israeli authorities comply with UN resolutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

After the meeting, the acting minister of media, Essam bin Saad bin Saeed, said the Cabinet had addressed other regional and international issues, and reiterated Saudi support for diplomatic efforts to peacefully resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Members welcomed US President Donald Trump’s recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders.

Tuesday was World Humanitarian Day, and to mark the occasion the Cabinet highlighted ��������’s longstanding commitment to aid efforts, noting the Kingdom’s prominent position among the ranks of the world’s largest donor nations.

On the domestic from, members reviewed achievements in the education sector ahead of the start of the new academic year, including curriculum development, the integration of artificial intelligence, expanded technical training, and support for innovation and the development of talent.

They also approved several cooperation agreements and memorandums of understanding with international partners in a variety of fields including sports and tourism, customs, health, and the development of small and medium enterprises. Agreements with the US, Spain, Syria, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Grenada and the Maldives were endorsed.

In addition, Cabinet members approved the introduction of new systems governing handicrafts, environmental coordination, and promotions and transfers within senior government ranks, the SPA added.