A costly falcon is always welcome: prized bird sells for $27,500 in Qatar

 A local enthusiast bought a falcon for $27,468 (100,000 Qatari Riyals) at an auction in Doha this weekend, reported Dubai-based magazine Arabian Business.

The auction was organized by a hotel group and a falcon hospital, with around 150 birds being sold over two days.

Average prices for many young falcons ranging from $6,900 to $19,200.

Saree Hamad al-Hajri, one of the event’s organizers, said that the auction aimed to highlight interest in falconry and to encourage enthusiasts from around the Gulf to come and bid for the rare birds.

Falcons are highly prized in many Gulf countries, where they are used a tool for hunting and sport.

Prices for the largest, most desirable breeds of the bird can reach $275,000, according to an article in the magazine published earlier this year.