The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) will get underway tomorrow, for seven continuous days, reflecting the increasing public turnout, and meeting the aspirations of the enthusiasts of falconry, hunting, equestrian and heritage around the world, as well as responding to the aspirations of exhibitors in the sectors that make up the event.
Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club (EFC), and the theme of “Sustainability and Heritage… A Reborn Aspiration”, the 19th ADIHEX will be organised by Emirates Falconers’ Club from 26th September to 2nd October, and sponsored by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, International Fund for Houbara Conservation and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre where the event is being held. The sponsor of the “Hunting Guns” sector is Caracal International LLC, the Silver Sponsor is Q Properties, and the visitor experience partners are Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy, POLARIS-Specialised Sports Equipment, and Luxury Carts Group. whereas the features sponsors are Smart Design and the Royal Tent Company. The official Automotive partner is ARB Emirates, and the supportive partner is the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
This year’s edition attracts more than companies and brands from 58 countries. ADIHEX includes 11 diverse sectors such as Arts and Crafts, Equestrian, Falconry, Hunting Tourism and Safari, Hunting and Camping Equipment, Hunting Guns, Preservation of Environment and Cultural Heritage, Outdoor Leisure Vehicle and Equipment, Veterinary Products and Services, Fishing Equipment and Marine Sports, and Media.
ADIHEX attracts painters, artists, photographers, calligraphers, sculptors, and art galleries from inside and outside the UAE, who have been presenting their creativity with high artisanship that expresses various artistic schools, including realistic, abstract and modern ones. Their topics revolve around desert and marine environment, authentic heritage, and hunting along with its matters, concerns, and distinct types.
ADIHEX, the largest event of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, and one of the leading hunting exhibitions with its diverse sectors, plays a significant role in attracting tourists and visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council region and the world. Since 2003, 1,750,000 visitors have visited it, including local and international end-users, merchants, high-net-worth individuals, dignitaries, as well as heritage and outdoor sports and hunting enthusiasts. While its last edition (ADIHEX2021) welcomed more than 105,000 visitors from 120 nationalities.
Aiming to attract more visitors from different countries, to attend the largest edition in the history of the exhibition, the Higher Organising Committee of ADIHEX launched a major international promotional and marketing campaign through the exhibition’s representative offices located in several European and Asian countries, in addition to the social media sites, and digital and traditional media, targeting interested visitors from different continents of the world.
Organisers say nearly 100 live activities, workshops and interesting events awaiting the exhibition’s audience over its seven days, including educational activities, creative contests, and live heritage and sport- themed performances that attract all visitors, and provide families with edutaining interactive activities which enhance the exhibition’s status as a popular attraction for all families and members of the society.
They added that ADIHEX aspires to have a positive environmental, cultural, social, and economic impact on our societies and to showcase its commitment to this responsibility through its activities.
The exhibition provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the culture of the UAE and its authentic heritage through the diverse and innovative features, which raise their awareness in the importance of preserving the environment and wildlife, in addition to encouraging them to practice authentic and environmentally friendly sports in a sustainable manner.
The features organised by the Emirates Falconers Club are particularly prominent in the exhibition, presenting live programmes on the principles of falconry and how to take care of falcons. It also introduces the Mohammed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, and the Arabian Saluki Centre, whereas visitors, tourists, and families will have a chance to interact and take pictures with the falcons and the Arabian salukis.
The Falcon Auction of its 2022 edition will feature seven categories of captive-bred falcons, namely Pure Gyr, Peregrine, Saker, Pure Gyr male Karmousha, Gyr Saker, Gyr Saker male, and Gyr Peregrine.
Among the most popular and attractive features of the exhibition are the falcons, camels and horses’ auctions, the shows of equestrian, archery, and birds of prey, the most beautiful captive-bred falcons’ competition, the saluki beauty contest, and the live heritage shows. In addition to that, the exhibition offers a unique live simulation experience for archery enthusiasts in an ideal safe environment. It also provides shooting and targeting activities for beginners and professionals using dedicated hunting rifles and bows and arrows, visitors will also have a chance to explore the latest archery equipment, and watch live performances, such as the horseback archery.
A series of workshops and educational activities await children, allowing them to interact with their favourite animals, including ponies, horses, dogs, and birds, and learn more about taking care of those animals and treating them with compassion from an early age.
As part of their efforts to enhance social integration and inclusion, the organisers of ADIHEX collaborated with Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination to provide distinctive and comprehensive activities for children of determination to support their engagement and integration within the society.
The exhibition also presents outdoor sports features that provide the visitors with access to the most popular outdoor activities, as well as the chance to explore the various equipment used by professionals. They will also get a chance to meet and interact with sports influencers and professionals, and network with industry leaders.
Dozens of painters and visual artists from the UAE and abroad will be participating in the arts and crafts hub to showcase their artwork through workshops dedicated to the art of painting, calligraphy, pottery, sculpture, carpet-weaving, and Al Khous (weaving palm fronds), in addition to photography.
The ADIHEX live platform will present a series of workshops in which several distinguished speakers will participate and provide the public with a chance to attend several educational and entertainment sessions presented by hundreds of participants.
A distinguished poetry evening will be held in which a selection of poets from the region will participate in presenting creative poems on patriotism, hunting, equestrianism and love of heritage.
Connect with Nature will allow visitors to meet their favorite animals at ADIHEX featuring ponies, horses, dogs, birds, and rare animals.
Emirates Heritage Club pavilion features a rich cultural program, including lectures, marine workshops, traditional crafts, a traditional cuisine corner, swords, daggers and wooden boat making, horse riding, camel and falconry shows, traditional games, daily quizzes/competitions, and prizes for visitors at the pavilion, and much more.