Prized falcon sells for Dh600,000 on final day of Adihex

Bidders from across region flock to Abu Dhabi during week-long celebration of Emirati culture and tradition

A falcon worth Dh600,000 is auctioned off at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition at Adnec, Abu Dhabi on Friday. Ruel Pableo for The National

Potential buyers at a falconry auction at Adihex. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A falcon at Al Sheraga Falconry stand at Adnec, Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The Emirates Falconer's Club stand at the Adihex exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Bidders during the falconry auction. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Enthusiasts at the falconry auction. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A poster of the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, at Al Sheraga Falconry stand. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A bird for sale at the falconry auction. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

An auctioneer keeps tabs on the bidding. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The auction is one of the highlights of the popular exhibition. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A prospective buyer makes sure his bid is noticed. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The auctioneer acknowledges an incoming bid. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

One of the many handsome specimens in the auction. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A visitor to Al Sheraga Falconry stand at Adihex. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Al Sheraga Falconry deals in falcons and a wide range of essentials necessary for taking care of the birds of prey. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Prospective buyers at the auction. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A visitor admiring birds at one of the stands. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A visitor taking pictures of hoods used by falconers to keep their birds calm when being handled. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Falcon hoods on display at the exhibition. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A prized falcon fetched Dh600,000 ($163,380) at an auction held on the final day of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition.

Dozens of pedigree birds of prey have been on sale throughout the week at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, with the event ending on Friday at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Breeders and merchants have winged their way to the cultural event in the hope of earning big sales.

The Dh600,000 falcon sale topped the bill at the final auction of Adihex 2023, becoming the latest bird to go for an impressive sum.

At Adihex last year, one bidder spent a record Dh1.01 million for a Pure Gyr American ultra-white falcon.

On Thursday, 25 of the UAE's finest racing camel prospects were sold for a total of Dh1.2 million at another auction at Adihex.

People flocked to the capital from all across the region to place their bids for the cream of the camel competition.

Auctions of young male and female camels – as well as top falcon breeds – are among the highlights of the annual Adihex event.

The top camel this year was sold for Dh120,000, a fee the new owner will aim to surpass with wins on the track during camel racing season.

More than 1,200 exhibitors from 65 countries converged on Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre for the 20th Adihex.

The cultural extravaganza celebrates Emirati heritage, paying tribute to a love of ancient hunting sports dating back centuries.