Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club, the 21st edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2024) will take place from 31 August to 8 September 2024 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
A press conference was held in Abu Dhabi to announce the event’s agenda. It was attended by His Excellency Majed Ali Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of ADIHEX and Secretary-General of the Emirates Falconers Club; Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group; and Saad Al Hassani, Director of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition.
His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers Club, said: “The current edition of the exhibition constitutes a new beginning after a long journey extending over two decades by shaping a renewed success story reflecting the achievements of the country and Abu Dhabi in these vital sectors.
“This achievement would not have been realised without the interest and continuous efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, and the care and support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, President of the Emirates Falconers’ Club. In preserving and expressing our pride in our rich Emirati culture and heritage, I would like to extend my sincere thanks, appreciation and pride to Their Highnesses, and my assurances that the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will continue to develop and enhance its plans, projects, content and events on a permanent basis.
“The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition has become an essential event that promotes Arab heritage and authentic traditions. The success of this event reflects the constructive cooperation between all the supporting parties participating in its organisation and their tremendous efforts to ensure that local traditions are celebrated and shared with the world. Reflecting the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership in supporting these vital sectors and preserving them for future generations, the new edition of the exhibition is an exceptional opportunity in every sense of the word, thanks to the Emirates Falconers’ Club’s cooperation and strategic partnership with ADNEC Group in organising and holding the exhibition as a milestone event with innovative new features.”
The exhibition has grown significantly since its launch in 2003, with the surface area covered by the exhibition expanding from 6,000 square metres by a factor of 14 times to exceed 87,000 square metres for this year’s edition. Over the same period, the number of exhibitors has increased by 43 times from 40 companies at the first edition to 1,742 companies and brands this year.
With the exhibition expected to witness record participation by visitors from all over the world, the number of countries participating in the exhibition has also increased four times to reach 65 countries in the 2024 edition compared to only 14 countries at the first edition. More than 600 media representatives are expected to cover the various events at the exhibition.
His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri said: “We aspire to present a distinctive version of the exhibition with a rich diversity of exhibitors and events, given ADNEC Group’s long-standing experience in organising leading international events and activities. This will be especially evident in the falcon auctions at this year’s edition. In addition to the live physical auctions, online auctions will also be available for elite and rare falcons as a key feature of the exhibition’s activities.”
His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri said that under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the exhibition would witness the launch of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition badge for falcons participating in the exhibition. With accompanying auctions in four categories, this reflects the wise leadership’s keenness to develop this vital sector and enhance its competitiveness. For both regional and international participating falcons at the exhibition, the badge will qualify them to join the next rounds of His Highness the President of the State’s Cup Championship for the season 2024-2025.
His Excellency Al Mansouri said: “We are looking forward to building the future and honouring the past through a leading global event dedicated to hunting and equestrian enthusiasts. This year’s edition will further enhance Abu Dhabi’s legacy and position as a pioneer in the hunting, equestrian and falconry sectors and a driving force shaping values and practices to be transmitted through generations.”
His Excellency Al Mansouri said that the new edition will witness a significant presence of exhibiting companies, falconers, and hunting and heritage sports enthusiasts from the Arabian Gulf countries, which reflects the depth of the distinguished relations between these nations. These shared bonds are reflected in the common cultural heritage that brings them together and the efforts made towards preserving the sports of historic generations as well as the promotion of sustainable hunting.
Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “This year’s edition will enjoy record participation by major local and international companies specialised in various sectors, with the number of exhibiting companies increasing by more than 58.5% compared to the previous edition in 2023. In addition, the number of exhibiting companies and brands has increased to 1,742 compared to the previous edition.”
The total area of the exhibition has increased by 34 per cent to reach more than 87,000 square metres, compared to 65,000 square meters in last year’s edition. The exhibition will attract participation from 65 countries, including 14 new countries, and more than 250 new exhibiting companies.
Al Dhaheri said 435 national companies would participate in the exhibition, amounting to 68 per cent of the exhibiting companies, with the remaining 32 per cent being international companies. This level of participation reflects the significant progress made by national industries specialised in these vital sectors and the role played by the exhibition in enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and ability to access global markets.
Al Dhaheri added that the record growth in all the performance indicators for this year’s exhibition reflected the tremendous effort of ADNEC Group, in cooperation with the Emirates Falconers Club, to ensure that the event befits the reputation and status of Abu Dhabi at the regional and international levels. By emphasising its position as a global platform through which the country’s rich cultural heritage is showcased, the exhibition helps enhance the nation’s capabilities and preserve its cultural and environmental heritage for future generations. The exhibition plays an important role in attracting industry leaders and specialised companies from the five continents of the world to establish partnerships and add value to the national economy.
Al Dhaheri emphasised that ADNEC Group’s organisation of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition demonstrates the group’s commitment to the vision of the wise leadership in developing the business tourism, exhibitions and conferences sector. The group is also focused on expanding the scope of existing exhibitions related to heritage, culture, environmental tourism, and the preservation and sustainability of wildlife.
Saad Al-Hasani, ADIHEX Event Director, said: “ADIHEX has continually evolved by embracing innovation while also staying true to the core values of Emirati culture and heritage. This year’s edition introduces 13 new features while enhancing the 11 sectors that will offer visitors an even richer experience. The unique auctions we host are a particular highlight, celebrating the timeless traditions and wildlife of our nation while providing a platform for enthusiasts to connect with the essence of Emirati craftsmanship and culture. Through our combined efforts, the 21st edition of ADIHEX will provide an exceptional and unique experience for all visitors and exhibitors.”
Saad Al-Hasani said that this year’s exhibition will feature many exclusive and unique offers that will be of interest to international exhibitors and visitors alike; including, but not limited to, the inaugural participation of the Zayed National Museum with a display of the museum’s collections of falconry, and hunting, in addition to other new activities and displays.
The 11 sectors at ADIHEX offer a comprehensive exploration of traditional and modern outdoor pursuits, catering to a diverse range of interests. The Hunting & Shooting Sports Guns & Equipment sector highlights the latest advancements in firearms and accessories, while the Hunting Tourism & Safari sector presents opportunities for global adventures. Preservation of Culture and Heritage highlights the event’s commitment to safeguarding Emirati traditions, ensuring that the rich tapestry of the UAE’s history is celebrated and passed down to future generations, while Arts & Crafts celebrates creativity through traditional and contemporary works, allowing visitors to explore various local and regional artistic techniques, while artists can offer guidance, share their expertise, and showcase their work.
The Recreational Vehicles & Motorhomes sector caters to enthusiasts of mobile living, while the Fishing Equipment & Marine Sports sector attracts those passionate about water-based activities. The Outdoor Leisure Vehicle & Equipment sector and the Hunting & Camping Equipment sectors provide everything needed for outdoor adventures. Veterinary Products & Services offer insights into animal care, while the Falconry sector pays tribute to this ancient sport, celebrating its deep-rooted significance in Emirati culture and the wider region. Finally, the Equestrian sector brings together horse enthusiastss with captivating displays of equestrian arts and a wide selection of high-quality equipment. Each sector plays a vital role in showcasing the multifaceted nature of outdoor and cultural activities at ADIHEX.
Whether they are hunting and equestrian enthusiasts, or looking to immerse themselves in the region’s cultural heritage, visitors to ADIHEX can explore cultural exhibitions, traditional performances, and live historical displays that celebrate the rich heritage of the UAE at the 11 enhanced sectors.
