Camel Racing, Falconry and Gulf Heritage Sports — 2026-09-02
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2026 concluded with record-breaking falcon auctions, including a Qarmousha Pure Ultra White falcon selling for AED 1.5 million. Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia announced the inclusion of camel beauty contests (Mazayen) in the Crown Prince’s Camel Festival for the first time, while the Emirates Falconers’ Club launched the inaugural Arabian Saluki Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Camel Racing, Falconry and Gulf Heritage Sports — 2026-09-02
Top developments
Record-breaking Falcon Auction at ADIHEX 2026
The fifth round of auctions at ADIHEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi set a new benchmark when a rare "Qarmousha Pure Ultra White" falcon sold for AED 1.5 million (approximately USD 408,000). This transaction, reported on August 29, 2026, highlights the sustained high value of elite breeding stock within the Gulf's falconry market. The exhibition, which ran from August 28 to September 6, also featured falcons valued up to Dh1 million, drawing significant crowds to ADNEC Centre.
Inaugural Arabian Saluki Championship Launched in Abu Dhabi
Under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Emirates Falconers’ Club and the Arabian Saluki Centre have officially launched the first Arabian Saluki Championship for the 2026–2027 season. Announced on August 31, 2026, this initiative formalizes competitive standards for Saluki dogs, a breed historically integral to falconry and hunting traditions in the region. The championship aims to preserve genetic heritage and elevate the status of the breed alongside established camel and falconry events.
Digital Marketplace Modernizes Traditional Camel Trade
CNN Business reported on August 31, 2026, that the startup "Hign Al Khaleej" has launched the first digital marketplace dedicated to buying, selling, and auctioning camels. This platform aims to digitize a centuries-old trade, offering transparency and wider access for buyers and sellers across the Gulf. The move reflects broader efforts to integrate technology into traditional heritage sports, potentially impacting how camels are traded ahead of major racing and beauty festivals.
Saudi Crown Prince’s Camel Festival Adds Beauty Contests
For the 2026 edition of the Crown Prince’s Camel Festival, organizers have included "Mazayen" (camel beauty contests) for the first time in the festival's history. Held at the historic Taif racetrack, this addition integrates aesthetic judging with traditional racing, expanding the scope of the competition. The festival is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to boost heritage tourism and sports investment under Vision 2030.
Local view
Arabic media outlets are closely following the high-value transactions at ADIHEX and the National Falcon Center’s activities. Economy Today reported that the National Falcon Center is planning five major events for the remainder of 2026 following the International Falcon Farm Production Auction, which saw total deals exceeding 33 million Saudi Riyals. The center continues to play a pivotal role in regulating and promoting falconry commerce in Riyadh.
Additionally, Sra7h Newspaper highlighted the historic inclusion of Mazayen in the Crown Prince’s Camel Festival in Taif, noting it as a significant expansion of the event's cultural dimensions beyond pure racing.
Context & numbers
- Falcon Auction Record: A Qarmousha Pure Ultra White falcon sold for AED 1.5 million (USD 408,000) at ADIHEX 2026, setting a new price benchmark for the season.
- ADIHEX Dates: The exhibition ran from August 28 to September 6, 2026, at ADNEC Abu Dhabi.
- Saudi Falcon Deals: The recent International Falcon Farm Production Auction in Riyadh recorded total sales of 33 million SAR.
On the radar
- Riyadh Racing Season: The 2026–2027 season is scheduled to start on October 16, offering a total prize pool of SAR 236 million (approx. $63 million).
- ADIHEX Closing: The exhibition concludes on September 6, 2026, with final days featuring family workshops and heritage shows.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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