By Ayman Adly
Staff Reporter
The weekly auction at the pet shops zone of Souq Waqif attracts large numbers of buyers and onlookers.
Ali, an auctioneer for almost four years, told Gulf Times yesterday that the auction is held twice every Friday, from 7am-10am and in the afternoon.
While the morning auction sees a good turnout of buyers, the afternoon session usually attracts as onlookers a large number of families who come to visit the popular destination.
The management of Souq Waqif has made all arrangements for the smooth conduct of the auctions with a shaded area, mist cooling fans and a segregated area for the auctioneer and his assistants.
“Only birds and small pets such as cats with health certificates and rabbits can be auctioned,” the auctioneer said. Pigeons, parrots and hens of special breeds are among the birds auctioned.
Those who want to display their birds at the auction get a number and put the cage in a row waiting for their turn. Bids can start at QR10 for a small colourful bird or pigeon, and go up to hundreds and sometimes thousands of riyals for rare parrots.
Before the deal is finalised, the auctioneer asks the approval of the owner on the final price, and if he agrees the buyer pays and leaves with his purchase. For sales of QR100 or above the auctioneer gets 10%.
Outside the auction ring, there are many amateur sellers displaying their birds, mostly pigeons and hens of special breeds.
Abu Fahd, an Arab expatriate, had on display yesterday some big and colourful roosters for QR500 each and offered a special price of QR1,500 for five birds including hens.
Hussein Bukarbal, a hobbyist rearing birds for more than four decades, displayed identification rings to be placed on the legs of pigeons. Costing 50 dirhams to QR1.50 apiece, the rings come in packets of 100. The owner’s phone number and a special serial number are put on the rings upon order.
“There is a special ring for racing pigeons, where the owner can put a small electronic chip to track its movement and flying route,” he explained.
Ameer, another Arab expatriate, said that pigeons of different types fascinate him. “I come here regularly, sometimes I buy and sell pigeons. It is not for profit, I am just crazy about it,” he said.
A number of visitors said the auctions should be allotted more space.
“It is an excellent entertainment, and a fascinating tourist attraction that should be developed,” a
Tunisian expatriate said. Pigeons of different types and sizes are the most popular buys at the Friday auctions at Souq Waqif. PICTURES: Jayan Orma T
