Held 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 Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2026 concluded the opening day of its 23rd edition with strong public attendance and extensive participation from local and international exhibitors and brands. The largest edition in the exhibition’s history is currently taking place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and will run until 6 September.
The opening day drew strong attendance from visitors and enthusiasts from the hunting, equestrian sports, falconry and outdoor adventure sectors, who explored the latest products, technologies and services presented by participating companies and organisations from around the world. Visitors also enjoyed a diverse programme of heritage and cultural activities held alongside the exhibition.
The exhibition’s 15 specialised sectors attracted strong interest from visitors, including falconry, equestrian sports, camels, hunting rifles and equipment, hunting tourism and safari, outdoor leisure vehicles and equipment, arts and crafts, and the preservation of the environment and cultural heritage, highlighting the breadth and diversity of experiences on offer.
The opening day of ADIHEX saw several shows at the Arena, a key feature of the exhibition that continues to attract visitors. Among the highlights was the Arabian Saluki Show, which featured live demonstrations of how Arabian Salukis have traditionally been used in hunting through lure-coursing displays that showcase the breed’s speed, agility and instinctive hunting abilities.
The Arabian Saluki has been an integral part of hunting traditions across the Arabian Peninsula and the wider Middle East for thousands of years. Revered for its endurance, intelligence and loyalty, the breed was historically used by Bedouin communities to hunt game across the region’s deserts and open landscapes. Today, the Arabian Saluki remains a powerful symbol of the region’s rich cultural heritage, and its presence at ADIHEX reflects the exhibition’s ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating traditional hunting practices while educating new generations about their historical significance.
New to ADIHEX 2026 was a dynamic performance by the African Drumming Band that captivated audiences with a blend of African music, dance and acrobatics. Featuring energetic choreography, powerful live percussion, striking traditional costumes and gravity-defying stunts, the show offered visitors an immersive celebration of Africa’s rich cultural traditions, artistic expression and vibrant spirit.
Family-focused activities and children’s programmes also attracted strong interest, with visitors enjoying a wide range of educational workshops, interactive experiences and heritage-themed activities designed to introduce younger generations to authentic Emirati traditions through engaging and innovative learning experiences.
The national and international pavilions also recorded high levels of engagement from visitors, industry specialists and business leaders, creating valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration and forging new partnerships. The exhibition continues to highlight its role in supporting national industries and advancing sectors associated with hunting, equestrian sports and outdoor adventures.
The Knowledge Hub returns to ADIHEX, bringing together thought leaders, industry experts and specialists to discuss the latest trends, innovations and developments across hunting, falconry, equestrianism, sustainability, conservation and outdoor pursuits.
A session titled “Blood-Borne Parasitic Diseases of the Dromedary Camel: A Case-Based Approach, Impact, Challenges and the Way Forward”. The session underscored the importance of camel health in preserving one of the region’s most valuable cultural, sporting and economic assets. It examined the impact of blood-borne parasitic diseases on camel performance, productivity and reproductive health, while highlighting the role of advanced diagnostics, specialised treatment and ongoing research in strengthening disease management and improving animal welfare. The session also emphasised the importance of raising awareness and enhancing veterinary expertise to safeguard the long-term health and sustainability of camel populations.
The exhibition will continue welcoming visitors over the coming days with a comprehensive programme of heritage, cultural and family-oriented activities, live demonstrations, interactive experiences and specialised auctions, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for hunting, equestrian sports, falconry and cultural heritage.
