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2019-10-03

ADIHEX 2019 Concludes With Resounding Success

The event welcomed 115,000 visitors and recorded sales of over AED70 million

The 17th Edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of Emirates Falconers’ Club, came to an end on August 31. Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the exhibition took place for five consecutive days under the slogan “Together to Consolidate Sustainable Hunting Initiatives.”

The exhibition was visited by His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, the Crown Prince of Ajman, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Mualla, Deputy Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council-Abu Dhabi as well as other Sheikhs, excellencies and VIPs from the UAE and countries that represented diplomatic communities.

His Excellency Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the exhibition said, “This 17th edition had more than 650 companies and brands, 400 local and international exhibitors from 41 countries, and governmental and non-governmental entities from inside and outside the country, as well as local and international agencies over an area of 45,000 squared metres. This exhibition has witnessed several media outlets and representatives that reached more than 600 individuals as well as international television and radio channels who covered the exhibition’s various activities. The exhibition received 115,194 visitors and the sales of the exhibition amounted to more than AED70 million.”

He added: “The Hunting Guns sector saw a significant rise in the number of pieces that were sold especially with the large participation of major companies, local authorities and organisations. This is especially the case as during the exhibition, UAE nationals who are over the age of 21 years, were allowed to own three pieces of weapons from the exhibition, and others from the rest of the world could also purchase weapons under the condition of providing a license and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective countries.”

His Excellency expressed his satisfaction because of the success of the exhibition that has turned into a cultural heritage environmental international festival that is a multicultural forum all under one roof. This success is considered a benchmark for continuity, development and renewal in the upcoming editions.

“We have already started putting the basic plans and initial cornerstones of the 18th edition of the exhibition, in reference to the testimonials of exhibitors, participants and visitors, who expressed their happiness and praised the exhibition and its initiatives that gathered all categories of people of all ages,” Al Mansouri added.

There were several interesting initiatives within the exhibition that were dispersed over 11 sectors, which were: veterinary products and services, hunting guns, media, outdoor leisure vehicles and equipment, hunting tourism and safari, arts and crafts, equestrian, falconry, fishing and marine sports, hunting and camping equipment and the promotion and preservation of cultural heritage. This is in addition to the arena that was dedicated to horse, camel, and dog shows.

Action-packed Shows

Falconry enthusiasts experienced the debut of the Falcons Auction, which witnessed the participation of dozens of local and international companies specialised in producing the best falcons in the world. The auction took place over the five days where there was bidding and a competitive spirit between falconers from the GCC to buy the best falcons. This was all with the aim of encouraging falcon farmers to produce the best falcons and to empower falconers to own superior falcons at the best prices.

The 25th edition of the Arabic Camels Auction was also tremendously successful. It was organised by the Advanced Scientific Group and was designed to attract a wide audience of camel lovers and focused specifically on camels that are used in racing. The camels did not exceed the age of two years and were affiliated to the strains of ancient authentic breeds that have the ability to compete in races and as a result there was strong participation of bidders from all over the world.

Additionally, this edition also provided an opportunity for fans and visitors to see more than 200 breeds of purebred dogs from more than 15 countries.

Peek into Japanese Heritage

The visitors at the exhibition were fascinated by the Japanese Pavilion that had a special participation this year with over 50 exhibitors and artists who presented performances and dances that reflect the art and heritage of the Japanese tradition. The shows were enjoyed by all the visitors, along with many other platforms that showcased Japanese products such as antiques, accessories and various traditional arts.

Workshops

The first day of the event witnessed a high-level workshop that tackled issues surrounding illegal trade in birds of prey that was held on the sidelines of the exhibition. It was held in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club and Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of ADIHEX and Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, and a number of local and international officials.

The workshop reviewed the mechanisms of the process and efforts taken by local and international institutions in aiding the efforts of the International Association for Falconry and Emirates Falconers’ Club to promote the elimination of illegal trade of birds of prey. It also showcased the decisions taken by the judiciary department that includes encouraging the reproduction of falcon families and using international scientific controls rather than depending on wild falcons. There were discussions and workshops with decision makers, researchers and specialists to find the right solutions to evade the illegal hunting of birds of prey.

GCC Participation

ADIHEX 2019 welcomed a huge participation from the GCC, especially from governmental entities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had exhibitors from the Ministry of Interior and the General Department of Arms and Explosives that came to support the exhibition and join the UAE in exchanging experiences. From Kuwait, the Ministry of Interior participated through the General Department for Weapons Investigations, in addition to various companies and agencies from heritage sports enthusiasts. This participation has reflected the depths of brotherly relations between the GCC countries and the UAE.

For instance, ARB 4x4 Accessories Emirates, part of Al Masaood Group and one of the leading market brands in four-wheel drive accessories and outdoor gear, took part in the exhibition.

ARB Emirates participated at ADIHEX for the 11th consecutive year and unveiled their latest products with the most recent innovative technology and also had a raffle draw on their stand, which gave visitors a chance to win ARB products such as portable compressors and digital and analogue gauges. Furthermore, the company offered a special discount of up to 25 per cent to visitors across their products range.

Robert Schwarz, Chief Operating Officer of Al Masaood Group, said: “ARB Emirates has consistently met the expectations and demands of outdoor enthusiasts throughout the UAE since 1990. Young Emiratis have emerged as a new generation of off-road aficionados and, as the leading national brand in the 4x4 cars customisation market, we provide a wide range of high-quality products and embrace the culture and heritage of the UAE as we welcome more and more customers every year.“

He continued: “ARB Emirates’ association with ADIHEX for the past decade has contributed to our progress and realisation of our goals. The 2019 edition welcomed a record number of attendees and presents an unrivalled platform to showcase the latest products to a truly special audience. We look forward to the future events with huge expectations and optimism.”

Range of Activities

There were special activities for children that included practicing various games creatively and in a fun atmosphere. These focused on heritage and cultural activations that were also educational and entertaining for children. Moreover, it helped in initiating curiosity through the dedicated Knowledge Corner that specialised in inspiring the little ones.

The exhibition also included entertaining activities on falconry and equestrian where children were encouraged to be creative in drawing on glass, face paint, as well as watch a puppet show that entertained kids with special performances. They also got the chance to ride real ponies that were presented by Dhabian Equestrian Club.

Another interesting activity was the Treasure Hunt that composed of educational questions focused on the concept of tolerance and love of nature. There was also the Gymkhana for People of Determination, a platform that attracted many visitors from people of determination who enjoyed the multiple displays.

Prizes and Awards

Promoting creativity and camaraderie, ADIHEX hosted several competitions, which offered prizes equivalent to more than one million dirhams. There were raffle draws for the visitors of the exhibition throughout the five days. The youngest exhibitor at the exhibition, Sultan Al Muhairbi, 13 years old, and the youngest female exhibitor, Gaya Al Ahbabi, were awarded during ADIHEX. This was a step to encourage the young generations and youth to be part of these national and international events to celebrate heritage and promote environmental conservation.

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is organised by Emirates Falconers’ Club. The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, International Fund for Houbara Conservation and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre were the Official Sponsors of the event. Nation Shield, the official journal of UAE Armed Forces was a media partner of the event. While Wahat Al Zaweya was the Sustainability Sponsor and Barary Ain Alfayda Development and Tiger Properties were the Hunting Tourism and Safari Sector Sponsors. Event supporters included the Department of Culture and Tourism and Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee Abu Dhabi.

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