Rare Pure White Gyr Falcon Fetches Dh1.5 Million at Abu Dhabi's Adihex Auction

A rare pure white Gyr falcon has set a new benchmark after being sold for Dh1.5 million during the fifth round of auctions at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex).

The winning bid for the ultra-white, pure Gyr garmousha falcon chick made it the most expensive bird sold in the current round of Adihex sales. The rare raptor was bred in the US by the Mark Moglich farm, which specializes in producing high-end raptors, including snow-white Arctic gyrfalcons, peregrine falcons, gyr-peregrine hybrids, and Russian Siberian goshawks. The bird weighs 1,000g and stands around 42cm in height and width, distinguished by its striking white plumage and exceptional physical characteristics.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, managing director and group chief executive of Adnec Group, stated that the record-breaking sale emphasizes the global standing of Adihex auctions and reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a premier hub for falconry, while supporting the preservation of authentic Emirati heritage for future generations. This year's exhibition features 55 prominent local and international falcon-breeding farms.

The event also showcased participants such as Yousif Al Hammedi, a trainer for the Emirates Arabian Horse Association, who took part in Adihex alongside his horse, Rabdan. Running for 10 days to accommodate high demand, the 23rd edition of Adihex follows last year's milestone attendance of more than 379,000 visitors.

The high-profile sale follows another major transaction last week at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, where Bahraini falconer Salman Albalooshi secured a 2kg Pure Gyr falcon for Dh255,000. Gyrfalcons remain highly coveted for their hunting prowess and rarity, commanding substantial sums at auction and serving as elite status symbols across the Middle East. Renowned for their speed, precision, size, and heat tolerance, the finest raptors often compete in lucrative regional hunting contests, driving up market demand and high breeding standards across international farms in Europe and the US.