$106k falcon chick steals the show in Riyadh auction

The event began on Oct. 1 and continues until Nov. 15 at the club’s Malham headquarters near Riyadh. (SPA)
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Updated 26 October 2024
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$106k falcon chick steals the show in Riyadh auction

  • Chick presented by falconers Sanafi and Mutlaq Al-Dosari became the priciest bird sold at the auction

RIYADH: The Saudi Falcons Club’s auction featured the sale of the most expensive peregrine falcon chick, from the Al-Dabdaba area of Hafr Al-Batin governorate.

A chick presented by falconers Sanafi and Mutlaq Al-Dosari became the priciest bird sold at the auction, fetching SR400,000 ($106,000), the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event began on Oct. 1 and continues until Nov. 15 at the club’s Malham headquarters near Riyadh.

With a starting bid of SR60,000 and amid intense competition, the Al-Dabdaba falcon’s sale surpassed a bird sold for SR240,000 a few days ago.

Mutlaq Al-Dosari was happy at the outcome, noting that it was his first time participating at the event.

He praised the considerable efforts of the Saudi Falcons Club and the benefits it provides to falconers.

Al-Dosari added: “I received many offers outside the auction, but I insisted on selling it through the Saudi Falcons Club’s auction.”

He noted that the bidding process for his falcon took between five and six minutes.

The club offers extensive services to falconers throughout the hunting season, including housing and transporting birds to the auction site from various regions.

The auction is broadcast live on television and social media, making for fast-paced, competitive bidding, the SPA added.

It plays a significant role in preserving and promoting Saudi Arabia’s cultural, economic, and historic heritage, in line with Vision 2030.

The event supports falconry activities and aims to develop the local auction market, positioning it as a global hub for enthusiasts.

During the club’s first auction in 2020, total sales exceeded SR10 million. The second auction brought SR8.3 million, the third over SR7 million, and the fourth SR10 million.


First sand gazelle of 2025 born at royal reserve

Updated 6 sec ago
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First sand gazelle of 2025 born at royal reserve

RIYADH: The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has celebrated the birth of the first sand gazelle of the 2025 spring season, bringing the total number of births to 94 since the launch of its rewilding program in 2022.

Native to Saudi Arabia, the sand gazelle is one of 23 species selected for reintroduction into their natural habitat as part of the program, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Reserve CEO Andrew Zaloumis said: “Every new birth is another step closer to our mission to rewild Arabia.”

He added: “We have already reintroduced 11 of the 23 species we are bringing back to the reserve, and we continue to build resilient populations through our growing animal husbandry program.”

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the sand gazelle as vulnerable. Its estimated global wild population is just 3,000, with hunting and habitat loss historically posing significant threats.

Thanks to conservation efforts led by royal reserves and protected areas in Saudi Arabia, sand gazelle populations are now steadily increasing, the SPA reported.


Use official channels to book Hajj, ministry warns

Updated 25 min 11 sec ago
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Use official channels to book Hajj, ministry warns

  • Masar and Nusuk are the only approved booking channels; multilingual support is available 24/7

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah warned those wishing to perform Hajj against using unofficial channels, stressing that entry must be through an official Hajj visa issued by the relevant Saudi authorities.

Visas can be arranged through Hajj affairs offices in 80 countries or via the Nusuk Hajj platform, designated for pilgrims from more than 126 countries, which allows direct booking, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry said that the electronic portal on its website masar.nusuk.sa and the Nusuk app were the only approved channels for domestic pilgrims — citizens and residents within the Kingdom — to book Hajj packages.

It said that any information or offers shared through unofficial channels were misleading and did not represent the ministry or relevant authorities.

The public is urged to verify information and avoid false advertisements or fraudulent Hajj offers, the SPA reported.

The ministry provides 24-hour multilingual support through Guest Care Centers. It can be reached via the unified number 1966 within the Kingdom, the international number +966920002814, and the email care@Hajj.gov.sa.

This service reflects the ministry’s commitment to assisting pilgrims and ensuring that they can perform Hajj with ease and peace of mind, the SPA said.


Saudi ambassador opens Expo pavilion with message of peace 

Updated 50 min 25 sec ago
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Saudi ambassador opens Expo pavilion with message of peace 

TOKYO: The Osaka-Kansai Expo opens on April 13 and Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr says the event “sends a message about the importance of standing together for connections, prosperity and innovation at a time when the world faces many challenges.” 

Ambassador Binzagr was in Osaka on Wednesday to officially open the Saudi Arabia Pavilion and took the opportunity to emphasize the close relationship the Kingdom has with Japan.

In addition, he said that Saudi Arabia was undergoing an important national “transformation” and this “carries many of the very values that are part of what Expo stands for: Sustainable economic growth and prosperity for the world. 

Ambassador Binzagr said that Saudi Arabia shared many similar values with Japan — the two countries are celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations this year — and noted that the next Expo would be held in Riyadh. 

The Saudi Arabia Pavilion, he said, represented innovation and creating opportunities for the next generation, as well as “values that are important in the realization that peace and prosperity happens when we all commit to it.” 

He added: “Our pavilion highlights such a spirit and we’ve tried very hard to bring Saudi Arabia to Japan through this pavilion so that a visitor that walks through it will get a glimpse of our heritage, which we are honored by, and will see the dynamism taking place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today as well as a glimpse of our future and where we’re heading. 

“This future includes exciting projects such as Al-Qadiyah and NEOM, but the pavilion also showcases down-to-earth aspects of Saudi culture such as our coffee and dates ...  hospitality that has been part of traditions for centuries.”  

The pavilion will present more than 700 significant events that will capture different elements and aspects of Saudi Arabia with themes such as art, music, nature and business. 

Anticipating the excitement of hosting the next Expo in Riyadh in 2030, Ambassador Binzagr said: “It’s always an honor to receive the torch from Japan and take it forward.

“As ambassador to Saudi Arabia, I feel there’s such deep alignment, not just in key values, but in the importance of embracing the challenge, of being simultaneously proud of your heritage, and yet also relevant for today and eager to be shapers of the future.

“That’s a balance that we share with Japan. And when we take the torch from Japan, we feel we take that journey forward. Today, you visit us in our home in Japan. Tomorrow, we hope you visit us in your home in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

 

  • This article was first published on Arab News Japan. 

Authorities arrest 2 for trafficking controlled pills in Asir

Updated 09 April 2025
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Authorities arrest 2 for trafficking controlled pills in Asir

  • The individuals were detained, legal measures taken, and the offenders referred to the Public Prosecution

DUBAI: The Saudi General Directorate of Narcotics Control has arrested two citizens in the Asir region for smuggling 1,902 pills regulated under medical circulation laws.

The individuals were detained, legal measures taken, and the offenders referred to the Public Prosecution.

The country’s security authorities urge citizens and residents to report any information related to drug smuggling or promotion.

Reports can be made to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control via their reporting number (995) or by email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa. 


Saudi Arabia completes pavilion preparations for Expo 2025

Updated 09 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia completes pavilion preparations for Expo 2025

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia has completed the construction and preparations of its pavilion for Expo 2025, which will open in Osaka on April 13.

Featuring more than 700 events and activities, the pavilion will aim to provide an immersive experience for visitors.

It will highlight Saudi Arabia’s cultural and innovative landscape, while also unveiling new initiatives designed to encourage the Japanese public to explore and connect with the Kingdom.

Over the past two months, the Saudi Pavilion launched a tour of seven Japanese cities that offered local communities and tourists a chance to enjoy Saudi hospitality and explore the Kingdom’s culture.

This article originally appeared on Arab News Japan