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2023-10-10

ADIHEX 2023: A Vibrant Display of Sustainability and Heritage

The 20th Edition of ADIHEX Concludes With Unprecedented Local and International Participation

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and President of the Emirates Falconers Club, the 20th edition of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) concluded on September 8 after a hugely successful week, showcasing traditional sports and outdoor activities and drawing tens of thousands of fans of falconry, equestrianism, archery, land and sea hunting, safaris and more.

The mega event, organised by the Emirates Falconers Club (EFC) under the theme “Sustainability & Heritage… A Reborn Aspiration,” was inaugurated on September 2 by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Boasting 1,220 exhibitors and brands from 65 countries across a 65,000-square-metre area, the event set a historic participation record. Exhibitor numbers surged 25-fold since inception and exhibition space expanded 12-fold.

The number of visitors increased by about four times, to exceed more than 120,000 visitors from 125 nationalities in the last edition.

Embracing the spirit of competition, 411 Emirati companies joined the exhibition, representing a thriving national private sector dedicated to hunting and heritage sports equipment.

The event also welcomed around 60 official entities, including government institutions, environmental conservation advocates, and cultural heritage enthusiasts.

Visitors indulged in over 200 thrilling activities, including rare live performances by falcons, dogs, horses, and camels in the arena. The exhibition showcased captivating artistic and musical performances.

The EFC, in collaboration with the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey (IAF), presented a conference “Sustainability of Falconry in the 21st Century.” The event also featured a conference on “Media’s Role in Preserving Falconry and Cultural Heritage” with extensive participation.

Falcon Auction

ADIHEX’s latest edition witnessed tremendous success at the captive-bred falcon auction, hosted by Al Ain’s Pro-Falcon Centre, where 210 falcons were up for bidding. This Middle Eastern pioneer stands out as the largest project in the region, excelling in both production capacity and quantity.

Majed Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, and Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers Club, attributed the edition’s success to the steadfast support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region.

Official Sponsorship

The exhibition was organised with official sponsorship from the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), German gold sponsor company SCHIWY, the sector sponsor “Caracal”, and the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority, Automotive industry partner ARB Emirates, banking partner Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), activities partner Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Show Platform sponsor Smart Design, and the event sponsor Royal Tent.

Support for the event was provided by the Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi Police, Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Management Committee, Emirates Heritage Club, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, Abu Dhabi Chamber, and the British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi.

Industry partners included the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund, International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey, European Foundation for Falconry and Conservation, the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Dubai International Horse Fair, The Game Fair in France, and the JAGD & HUND hunting exhibition in Germany, and the American Chambers of Commerce in the UAE.

Partners in enhancing the visitors’ experience were the Mohammed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, Arabian Saluki Centre in Abu Dhabi, UAE Archery Federation, Fujairah Fine Arts Academy, Advanced Scientific Group, Boudheib Academy, “INPEX-JODCO” Foundation, Dhabian Equestrian Club, and the Oman Knights Equestrian Training School.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, who visited the exhibition, praised it for preserving Emirati heritage and nurturing the traditions of falconry and horsemanship.

Sustainability Platform

The Sustainability Platform at the exhibition brought together official authorities, local and international companies, social institutions, and community groups with researchers, experts, and students to advance sustainability goals.

The exhibition hosted 50 seminars across 11 sectors. Key participants included Emirates Falconers Club, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, and the Emirates Arabian Horse Association, among others.

Seminars explored climate change’s impact on resources, wildlife conservation, insect discoveries, falconry’s importance, sustainable fishing, and equestrian topics.

Live Shows

The audience enjoyed a selection of live shows featuring birds, salukis, police dogs, horses, camels, and more.

Live show participants included Dhabyan Equestrian Club, Sports Academy, Abu Dhabi Police and K9, Bu Deeb Academy, Emirates Zoo and Resort, Caber Stables, and Mamlouk Shooting Company.

Notable events in the show arena included the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest organised by the Emirates Falconers Club and the Arabian Saluki Centre, the Arabian Camel Auction with the Advanced Scientific Group, and heritage shows by the Emirates Arabian Horse Association.

Highlights also featured the art of fencing from horseback, shooting, pegs picking, traditional archery, and traditional archery on horseback, in collaboration with Kaber Stables and the Mamlouk Shooting Company. Tshouleeb, a traditional Emirati horse performance with poetry tunes, showcased Emirati heritage.

Saddle-making Skills

The Emirates Arabian Horse Association (EAHA) showcased Arabian horse culture and craftsmanship. The event featured a dedicated section highlighting the art of crafting handmade saddles.

Skilled artisans from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Oman, Egypt, and Syria converged to exhibit their saddle-making skills, preserving tradition and history.

One standout participant at EAHA’s exhibit was Mohammed, the artisan from Egypt. The event marked a pivotal moment in his career as he unveiled his meticulously handcrafted saddle pads.

Emirati artist Saggaf Abdillah Al Hashmi brought a lifelong dedication to art and a background in business management to his creative pursuits. His passion for depicting leaders and horses, reflecting the nation’s inspirational words, was evident in his work.

Horse Show Contests

The EAHA organised traditional Emirati horse show competitions, encouraging national participation in global Arabian horse beauty tournaments.

The Emirati Exhibitor Competition featured participants presenting their horses in Emirati attire, evaluated by a specialised committee for their skills in showcasing the horse’s aesthetics and movements.

The traditional Omani horse show included male and female knights on horseback, salutes, Humble and Tahurib segments, Hashma gallop, and a horse show, symbolising the Sultanate’s rich heritage at exhibitions and events.

Indian traditional dances showcased a variety of styles, including classical and folk dances, performed in traditional attire, providing insights into the rich and diverse Indian culture.

A mesmerising performance by skilled African drummers showcased various drum types, led by a professional who engaged the band in a lively interaction.

The UAE Bow and Arrow Federation offered traditional archery from horseback at the Exhibition, combining skill, art, and mental focus.

Kaber and Mamlouk Shooting Stables presented equestrian archery with traditional bows and arrows on horseback.

The exhibition featured remarkable shows by the mounted police unit and K9, demonstrating their unique security capabilities, rivalling modern technology.

The Gymkhana event, organised in cooperation with Dhabyan Equestrian Club, Sports Academy, and the All of us with People of Determination Association (AWPOD), aimed to promote community integration for people of determination. It offered opportunities for them to engage with support groups, consult about valuable services, and participate in purposeful activities to enhance their integration into society.

Rifles by CARACAL

CARACAL, an EDGE Group entity, unveiled three hand-engraved hunting rifles and gold-inlaid pistols. These were presented alongside their range of pistols and precision rifles.

In its 16th appearance at ADIHEX, CARACAL and subsidiary MERKEL introduced three HELIX DELUXE VIP hunting rifles with intricate arabesque designs on various parts. Each rifle featured a UAE-inspired motif: Qasr Al Watan, Sheikh Khalifa Mosque, and the Arabian Caracal.

The rifles had gold-plated triggers and walnut stocks from the Caucasus.

CARACAL’s main attraction at the exhibition was the exclusive Liwa Pistols, crafted by their Custom Projects Division. Inspired by Liwa’s oasis, these unique pistols are compact versions of the CARACAL 2011 model, featuring intricate 24-carat gold engravings created using three distinct techniques.

ARB Emirates

ARB Emirates, known for four-wheel-drive accessories and outdoor gear, returned as the official automotive partner for ADIHEX 2023.

The MT64 Suspension, meticulously crafted, redefined off-road experiences, thrilling adventurers and thrill-seekers alike. Another highlight was the innovative Smart Self – ARB Linx, which offered seamless control over driving lights, compressors, and tyre and suspension statuses with a simple click.

In a pioneering move, ARB Emirates hosted a women-centric workshop, empowering women to explore adventure activities with experienced guest speakers.

Emirati Knife Maestro

Knife maker Abdullah Al Ahmed returned to ADIHEX for the third year, showcasing his exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to preserving the UAE’s heritage with handcrafted knives inspired by the Arabian Oryx.

Al Ahmed’s knives blend modern design with Emirati heritage, embodying timeless significance. Each knife reflects his passion, taking up to three weeks to craft, with a logo inspired by the Arabian Oryx symbolising the UAE’s natural wonders and cultural legacy.

Japanese Connection

The Emirates Falconers Club (EFC) and the INPEX-JODCO Foundation partnered to promote falconry traditions and cultural exchange between Emirati and Japanese falconers. They formalised this collaboration through a MoU, emphasising their commitment to preserving falconry’s rich heritage and fostering cultural connections.

Falconry, a shared passion for the UAE and Japan, took centrestage in this partnership, highlighting its cultural significance. The MoU paved the way for initiatives benefiting falconers in both nations and enriching their societies culturally.

Raptor Conservation

The Mohamed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund showcased its global conservation efforts, with a focus on projects in Mongolia and Bulgaria. Led by Dr. Andrew Dixon, these initiatives aimed to protect majestic birds, especially the endangered Saker Falcon, from electrocutions. The pavilion educated visitors about their work, emphasising nature-positive investments amid rising energy demands and expanding infrastructure.

Al Namos Team Experience

The Al Namos Team Experience made its debut, led by Lamya Alsaiqal, an MBA holder and sea enthusiast. Their presence showcased their journey in fishing and women’s empowerment.

Lamya, inspired by her family’s passion for the sea, founded Al Namos, the first Emirati women’s fishing team. Her leadership motivated other women to embrace fishing as a serious pursuit, and they’ve excelled in regional competitions.

Pet Wellness

Dubai-based Doctorpet, a top UAE pet care brand, shone at ADIHEX 2023. The event complemented Doctorpet’s dedication to pet health and environmental responsibility, aligning with ADIHEX’s sustainability theme. Emma Rizwan, Senior Marketing Manager at Doctorpet, praised ADIHEX for boosting sales and customer engagement. Doctorpet’s natural pet products prioritise well-being. Their mission is to ensure pets lead joyful, healthy lives as cherished family members.

Dhabian Educational Hub

Dhabian Equestrian Club debuted “Dhabian Educational Hub,” the UAE’s equestrian certification programme for trainers and riders. Founder Tina Al Qubaisi, an equestrianism and education advocate, collaborates with key organisations to introduce this vocational qualification.

The club’s commitment extends to causes like cancer awareness, community development, environmental conservation, and supporting People of Determination under the “Ride for Life” banner.

Inspiring Young Minds

Fayoonah Kids World, a unique addition to the exhibition, featured Alfai, 4, the youngest published author, and Hamad, aged 3, the youngest slime chef. Their exhibit delighted children with slime-making and storytelling. Founder Teeb Al Barri advocates for nurturing children’s creativity.

Solidarity Shines

The Emirate and Palestine Friendship Club took centrestage at ADIHEX, exemplifying solidarity and friendship in a heart-warming display. Each year, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi extends a heartfelt invitation to Palestine, inviting them to share their rich culture, heritage, cuisine, and more. In the spotlight this year was the theme of sustainability, as emphasised by Saed L. Shomali, a renowned wildlife photographer.

Vibrant Event

ADIHEX 2023 proved to be a celebration of sustainability and heritage, showcasing the best of the UAE’s hunting and equestrian industries.

With its breathtaking live shows, engaging exhibits, and enthusiastic visitors, the exhibition was a vibrant and inspiring event that will be remembered by all who witnessed it.

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