Rare pigeon sold for Dh18,000

Ras Al Khaimah: A pigeon of the locally known rare type 'Bufotah' was on Wednesday sold for Dh18,000 only a few moments after its owner announced the bird for sale.

The Emirati pigeon's owner Abdullah Kaseen, a 26-year-old, said he received several offers once he announced his intention to sell the pigeon, adding that the pigeon was sold for a price that is more expensive than gold.

He stressed that the business of pigeon trading has been gaining huge popularity among Emiratis who focus on the rare types.

Kaseen said that Emiratis interested in the business have a deep knowledge about raising pigeons and many of them have independent areas in their homes to raise pigeons.

Once Kaseen told a friend of his that he was about to sell the Bufotah pigeon, he received many offers over the phone, but he sold it to an Emirati who insisted on buying it. "Had I waited some more time, the price could have gotten even better," said Kaseen.

He stressed that investment in pigeons proved to be more profitable than any other investment in the country, where every other investment is subject to decline but trading in pigeons and particularly this type is rising.

Kaseen said the Bufotah type of pigeon is very expensive because of its beauty and eye catching silver colour, adding that this pigeon is rare and all those interested in raising pigeons dream of owning a few so they can make the owner a real rich man.

Raising pigeons has become a popular hobby among the younger generation in Ras Al Khaimah.