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RIYADH: A falcon was sold on Saturday for SR1.2 million ($320,000) at the International Falcon Breeders Auction in Malham, north of Riyadh.

The super white pure gyr farkh, from the US-based RX farm, was the most expensive bird sold at this year’s event, which ends on Monday.

Two shaheen gyr farkhs also sold on Saturday, one from the UK-based Border Falcons Farm for SR28,000 and the other from the Falcon Mews Farm in the UK for SR48,000.

Falcon owner Mohammed Al-Blaidan has purchased several birds from the auction in recent years and said that its organizers Saudi Falcons Club had played a pivotal role in bringing the breeders together under one roof.

He added: “Uniting efforts under the club’s umbrella has greatly facilitated logistical matters, and we are now dealing with a single, well-known entity which adds a sense of professionalism and organization to the entire sector.

“However, I believe that providing larger and more spacious areas for exhibitors would be an important step in developing these events and making them more attractive to participants and buyers from around the world.”

Al-Blaidan explained that the efforts of local companies served to enhance and preserve the Kingdom’s falconry heritage for future generations.

He noted that “falconry is an integral part of our identity, and supporting it means preserving a living heritage.”

He also spoke about how social media is popularizing falconry in the modern age, and added: “The role of social media platforms in developing this hobby and spreading it globally cannot be overlooked.

“They are an effective tool for communication, exchanging experiences, and showcasing products, and they have contributed to attracting a new section of young people to this authentic heritage.”

He expressed great optimism about a sport that can attract “amateurs, experts, and tourists from all over the world, which will in turn directly contribute to strengthening the national economy.”

Club spokesperson Walid Al-Tawil told Arab News that “the falconry sector is one of the sectors with high-market value, both locally and regionally.”

He added: “The auction contributes to raising this value by bringing together the most prominent producers in one place, enhancing competition and generating greater returns for breeders and investors.”

He said the auction opened doors to new projects, including the establishment of specialized farms, advanced falcon care and training services, along with eco-tourism programs linked to falconry activities, providing diverse investment opportunities.

RIYADH: Millions of Saudi students returned to classrooms across the Kingdom on Sunday as the 2025–2026 academic year began.

Schools opened after preparations to provide safe, stimulating environments that promote national values, discipline, and diligence, supporting Vision 2030’s goal of developing a competitive future generation.

The Ministry of Education carried out readiness measures, including 75 new construction projects worth SR920 million ($245 million) to expand infrastructure, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Preparations covered all 13 regions, with Riyadh hosting the largest group of 2.84 million students across 6,873 schools.

Maseera Ghaffar, an English teacher at the primary level at Al-Hamraa International Schools, told Arab News: “We welcome the new academic year with optimism and dedication. The team has prepared thoughtful lesson plans to make classes both interesting and meaningful.

“More than just teaching subjects, I want to encourage curiosity, build confidence, and support each child in discovering their strengths,” Ghaffar said.

She added: “For me, every new year is a chance to grow alongside my students and to guide them with care and commitment.”

Parents also reflected on the transition. Hams Jambi told Arab News: “Honestly, I was not very emotional about it,” explaining that her priority was re-establishing routines for her young daughter after the long break.

Jambi and her daughter prepared by organizing school supplies together, letting the child choose her own backpack and lunchbox, and adjusting sleep schedules earlier.

The outcome was positive, said Jambi, adding: “She was actually super excited to go back and see her friends, which made the whole transition really smooth for both of us.”

Maintenance teams serviced more than 15,000 school buildings and more than 884,000 air conditioning units at a cost exceeding SR2 billion, while restoration projects rehabilitated more than 1,400 educational buildings with SR782 million in investment.

The Eastern Province prepared for more than 700,000 students, while Asir readied 3,430 schools for 525,595 students, and Jazan’s 2,556 institutions welcomed around 351,535 students.

Qassim’s enrollment exceeded 320,000, with Tabuk preparing for 211,372 students and the Northern Borders region hosting over 100,500.

Hail accommodated more than 180,000 students across more than 1,300 schools, while Jouf’s 937 schools hosted 168,494 students.

Najran’s 980 schools prepared for 183,302 students, and Baha’s 760 institutions welcomed more than 80,000.

These preparations reflect the ministry’s commitment to a smooth and disciplined start to the school year, supporting learning outcomes and nurturing a generation that contributes to the Kingdom’s reform plan.