A Pure Ultra White Gyrfalcon has become the most expensive falcon ever sold at auction

At an auction in Abu Dhabi, a rare white falcon was sold for a record-breaking 2.1 million dirhams, or approximately $571,000. According to the organizers, this transaction set a new world record for the price of a falcon sold at auction.

The sale took place during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2026 (ADIHEX). The record-breaking Pure Ultra White Gyrfalcon, which originated in the United States, was presented at the final auction of the exhibition program.

The new price surpassed the previous world record set in 2021, when a purebred spotted gyrfalcon was sold at the International Falcon Breeders Auction in Riyadh for approximately $467,000.

White plumage and pure pedigree increased the bird's value

The Pure Ultra White Gyrfalcon belongs to an exceptionally rare category of falcons, prized by breeders and collectors for its almost entirely white plumage, origin, and pure pedigree.

Several factors are taken into account when determining the value of such birds, including genetics, physical characteristics, origin, and performance traits.

The record-breaking deal was the culmination of a series of major sales at ADIHEX 2026.

On August 29, a Pure Ultra White Qarmousha falcon was sold for 1.5 million dirhams, setting a record for the exhibition at that time.

The very next day, a young Gyr Pure Ultra White was sold for 1.1 million dirhams.

Thus, several auction results this year have already exceeded the 1 million dirham mark.

The first ADIHEX auction also showed high demand

High participant activity was observed from the very beginning of the auction program.

At the first auction held on August 15, a Jeer Pure Super White falcon was sold for 250,000 dirhams.

During the final stage of bidding, the winner immediately raised the price of the bird from 210,000 to 250,000 dirhams, marking one of the first notable results of the exhibition.

Subsequent sales confirmed the steady interest of collectors and professional falconers in rare, high-performance birds.

55 falcon breeding farms are participating in the program

ADIHEX 2026 brings together local and international representatives of the falconry and bird breeding industry.

The auction program features 55 leading falcon breeding and keeping farms. For comparison, there were 46 such participants the year before.

The increase in the number of farms demonstrates growing international interest in the exhibition and reinforces its role as a specialized platform for professional breeders, buyers, and collectors.

The program includes eight live auctions, held before and during the exhibition.

An additional online auction has been organized, allowing international participants to place bids remotely.

ADIHEX remains one of Abu Dhabi's key industry exhibitions

The exhibition is held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and is organized by the ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club.

Falcon auctions are a centerpiece of ADIHEX, alongside other events focused on hunting, equestrian sports, natural heritage, and the region's traditional culture.

For Abu Dhabi, such events are significant beyond just the preservation of traditions. Major international exhibitions generate a steady influx of professional visitors, participants, and tourists, supporting the emirate's hospitality, dining, transportation, and event infrastructure.

Falconry remains a part of the UAE's cultural heritage

Falconry has historically held a special place in the culture of the UAE and other Gulf countries.

Today, the tradition blends cultural heritage with professional breeding, international exhibitions, competitions, and specialized auctions.

The price of the rarest birds can reach millions of dirhams, especially for falcons with unique plumage, verified pedigrees, and highly sought-after performance traits.

The results of ADIHEX 2026 show that the market for high-end falcons remains highly active and continues to attract affluent buyers from across the region and beyond.

What a record-breaking sale means for Abu Dhabi

The sale of a falcon for 2.1 million dirhams is not only a new auction record but also further confirmation of Abu Dhabi's international status as a hub for major cultural and specialized events.

The emirate's advanced exhibition infrastructure makes it possible to host events that bring together traditional industries, international business, and tourism.

For the city's economy, such events generate additional demand for hotels, real estate rentals, restaurants, transportation, and other services catering to international guests.

The ADIHEX 2026 record also shows that the UAE's cultural heritage continues to maintain its economic and international significance, adapting to the modern format of exhibitions, auctions, and the global professional market.