2 Falcons Fetch Record Price at International Falcon Breeders Auction in Saudi Arabia

The highly anticipated International Falcon Breeders Auction 2024 kicked off on Friday at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. (SPA)
The highly anticipated International Falcon Breeders Auction 2024 kicked off on Friday at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. (SPA)
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2 Falcons Fetch Record Price at International Falcon Breeders Auction in Saudi Arabia

The highly anticipated International Falcon Breeders Auction 2024 kicked off on Friday at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. (SPA)
The highly anticipated International Falcon Breeders Auction 2024 kicked off on Friday at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. (SPA)

The highly anticipated International Falcon Breeders Auction 2024 kicked off on Friday at the Saudi Falcons Club headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. The event, which runs until August 24, features leading production farms from 16 countries.

On the opening night, a large crowd of falcon enthusiasts gathered to witness the auction of two exceptional falcons.

A Falco cherrug, known locally as a Hur, from the Polish Fire Falcons Farm, commanded a bid of SAR65,000, followed by another falcon from the same farm that sold for SAR105,000, bringing the total for the evening to SAR170,000.

This global platform offers a unique opportunity for falconers, producers, and enthusiasts to acquire elite falcons from around the world. The auction is being broadcast live on television and social media platforms.

The event aligns with the Saudi Falcons Club's vision to lead in falconry development, innovation, breeding, and care. It also contributes to the cultural and economic landscape while raising awareness about environmental conservation.



Saudi Culture Minister Meets with Indonesian Minister of Creative Economy

The Saudi Minister of Culture met on Tuesday with Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy in Jakarta. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Culture met on Tuesday with Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy in Jakarta. SPA
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Saudi Culture Minister Meets with Indonesian Minister of Creative Economy

The Saudi Minister of Culture met on Tuesday with Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy in Jakarta. SPA
The Saudi Minister of Culture met on Tuesday with Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy in Jakarta. SPA

Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan on Tuesday met with Indonesia’s Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya in Jakarta.

The ministers discussed cooperation in the creative economy between the two countries through the exchange of artistic and technical expertise in film, fashion, and handicrafts.

They also explored opportunities for collaboration to promote innovation and sustainability.


‘Life Through a Royal Lens’ Exhibition Showcases British Royal Photography

“Life Through a Royal Lens” runs until June 7. (Kensington Palace)
“Life Through a Royal Lens” runs until June 7. (Kensington Palace)
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‘Life Through a Royal Lens’ Exhibition Showcases British Royal Photography

“Life Through a Royal Lens” runs until June 7. (Kensington Palace)
“Life Through a Royal Lens” runs until June 7. (Kensington Palace)

A photography exhibition showcasing more than 100 photographs taken of and by the British Royal Family is on tour following its launch at Kensington Palace.

The “Life Through a Royal Lens” exhibition explores the enduring relationship between the Crown and the camera over 200 years.

It was first launched at Kensington Palace and is now on tour, starting at The Amelia Scott in Tunbridge Wells, according to the BBC.

Jeremy Kimmel, arts, heritage and engagement director at The Amelia Scott, said: “Royal Tunbridge Wells has been shaped by centuries of royal connections, from the first royal visit in the early 1600s to what was then just woodland, to becoming the favorite summer retreat of Princess Victoria.”

He said “Life Through a Royal Lens” was not just about royalty.

“The images reflect moments of national identity, cultural change, and shared experience,” said Kimmel.

The royal family are one of the most photographed families in the world and the exhibition captures state ceremonies and royal tours as well as personal images which share a glimpse of life behind the scenes.

It also features the last public photograph taken of Elizabeth II taken on 6 September 2022, just two days before she died at the age of 96.

Kimmel said: “It was taken at Balmoral Castle before the historic 'kissing of hands' ceremony in which she publicly appointed her 15th British Prime Minister, Liz Truss.”

The public can also view portraits and press photographs from the first three years of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's reign.

The exhibition was created by Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Kensington Palace.

Eleri Lynn, chief curator at Historic Royal Palaces, said the display of images spanning 300 years of family photoshoots, commissioned portraiture and official engagements would embark on a tour planned to span the UK.

“We are thrilled that visitors to ‘Life Through a Royal Lens’ at The Amelia Scott will be able to explore the history behind the iconic image of modern monarchy we know today,” she added.

“Life Through a Royal Lens” runs until June 7.


French Lawmakers Pass Bill Simplifying Return of Colonial-era Art

People sit at a bistro, enjoying the sun in Paris, Thursday, April 9, 2026.(AP Photo/Michel Euler)
People sit at a bistro, enjoying the sun in Paris, Thursday, April 9, 2026.(AP Photo/Michel Euler)
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French Lawmakers Pass Bill Simplifying Return of Colonial-era Art

People sit at a bistro, enjoying the sun in Paris, Thursday, April 9, 2026.(AP Photo/Michel Euler)
People sit at a bistro, enjoying the sun in Paris, Thursday, April 9, 2026.(AP Photo/Michel Euler)

French lawmakers on Monday passed a bill to simplify the return of artworks looted during the colonial era to their countries of origin, AFP reported.

France still has in its possession tens of thousands of artworks and other prized artefacts that it looted from its colonial empire.

The draft legislation to return them was unanimously approved by the lower house National Assembly late on Monday.

The upper house had unanimously passed the measure in January.

President Emmanuel Macron has made it a political promise to return the cultural items, and has gone further than his predecessors in admitting past French abuses in Africa.

Speaking on a visit to the Burkina Faso capital Ouagadougou shortly after taking office in 2017, Macron vowed that France would never again interfere in its former colonies and promised to facilitate the return of African cultural heritage within five years.

Designed to streamline the process, Monday's bill specifically targets property acquired between 1815 and 1972.

Former colonial powers in Europe have slowly been moving to send back some artworks obtained during their imperial conquests -- but France is hindered by its current legislation, which requires every item in the national collection to be voted on individually.

France has been flooded with restitution demands, including from Algeria, Mali and Benin.