The pure white Gyr falcon fetched Dh1.5 million during the latest round of auctions at Adihex. Photo: WamShow caption: The pure white Gyr falcon fetched Dh1.5 million during the l…Hunting bird is biggest sale of latest round of auction sales at eventA rare pure white Gyr falcon has soared into the record books after being sold for Dh1.5 million during the fifth round of auctions at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex).The price paid at auction 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 falcon was bred in the US by the Mark Moglich farm, which specialises in breeding high-end raptors, including snow-white Arctic gyrfalcons, peregrine falcons, gyr-peregrine hybrids, and Russian Siberian goshawks.It weighs 1,000g and is around 42cm in height and width.Pure gyrfalcons are distinguished by their white plumage and exceptional physical characteristics. “The record sale highlights the global status of Adihex auctions and underscores Abu Dhabi's role as a capital for falconry, supporting efforts to preserve authentic Emirati heritage for future generations,” said Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, managing director and group chief executive of Adnec Group.This year's edition of the exhibition features 55 leading local and international falcon-breeding farms.The sale follows the winning bid placed by Bahraini falconer Salman Albalooshi last week at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre for a 2kg Pure Gyr falcon for Dh255,000.Gyrfalcons are highly sought after for their hunting expertise and rarity, causing them to command huge fees at auction and in private sales.The birds have superior physical traits for hunting, while holding immense cultural value as elite status symbols in the Middle East.Nick gyrfalcons are unmatched for their speed, precision, size and tolerance to heat.The most prized birds win regional hunting contests for huge financial prizes, which also drive up costs and market demand.Years of experience and expertise are required to breed the finest raptors, which require specialist care on international farms in Europe and the US.The most expensive pure mottled gyrfalcon sold at auction reached a price of $467,000 in 2021 at the International Falcon Breeders Auction in Riyadh.Updated: August 30, 2026, 7:58 AM