American-bred chick breaks records with $400,000 sale at Abu Dhabi expo

A rare "Ultra White Pure Gyr Garmousha" falcon chick sold for AED1.5 million at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) on Saturday, 29 August, setting a record for the 2026 event. The sale occurred during the fifth round of auctions at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), drawing international attention to the UAE’s heritage sports market. Physical Specifications and Breeding Produced by the Mark Moglich farm in the United States, the falcon is distinguished by its pure white plumage. The bird weighs 1,000 grams and possesses symmetrical measurements of 16.5 inches in both length and width. Its price reflects a combination of its rare aesthetic quality and specific physical characteristics sought by elite falconers. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, stated that the AED1.5 million transaction demonstrates the global standing of ADIHEX auctions. He noted that the exhibition serves as a primary hub for falconry, supporting the preservation of Emirati heritage and connecting local traditions with international breeding expertise. Expansion of the Global Falconry Trade The 2026 edition of ADIHEX features 55 local and international falcon breeding farms, reflecting a sustained commercial interest in raptor conservation and competitive hunting. The record sale comes as Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as the global capital for falconry, facilitating trade between Western breeders and…