Falcon sells for Dh1m: Prices soar in Gulf

Social media watchers erupted in frenzy this week as news filtered out that a serious buyer in Doha forked over Dh 1 million in purchase price for a falcon.

Qatari media confirmed the sale, with ‘The Peninsula’ reporting that the bird of prey was being sold at prices north of a million at a month-long falconry festival in its capital.

High in demand was the Hur breed of falcon, renowned for its power and speed.

With prices for a pure breed once ranging between Dh100,000 and Dh400,000, this markup brings UAE’s national bird into the exclusive range that a camel demands in this region.

Last year’s Al Dafra Festival in Abu Dhabi saw camels – especially dark-skinned ones – starting at Dh9m and hitting a peak of Dh20m.

However, falcons had yet to hit the million-mark until now.

Many took to Twitter, some in surprise, others in jest to comment on the soaring price, with Jawaher Mohammed Al Thani tweeting: “Camel prices are also now over one million and can reach 20 million Riyal.”

Arshaan M tweeted: “Clearly, I invested in the wrong product. Maybe my wealth manager has an exotic animals fund.”

Srinivasan Menon asked the most profound question of them all, writing: “You think they will launch a falcon beauty contest? I want front row seats for this.”

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