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 eighth day of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2026), featured a diverse programme of heritage, cultural and educational activities, live demonstrations and interactive experiences, attracting strong interest from visitors, families and hunting and equestrian sports enthusiasts.
Held under the theme “A Legacy of Pride”, the exhibition is taking place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi until 6 September and represents the largest edition in its history in terms of exhibition space, participating exhibitors, brands and visitor experiences and activities.
Organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon company, in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the exhibition continues to reinforce its position as a global platform for preserving and promoting Emirati heritage enabling new generations to discover and engage with the traditions, craftsmanship and cultural values that have shaped the UAE’s identity.
The eighth day featured a diverse array of equestrian, Arabian Saluki and canine demonstrations. Activities began with an Arabian Saluki showcase, followed by displays presented by MDK K9, alongside demonstrations featuring rescued dogs in the UAE and presentations highlighting obedience training and command execution techniques, allowing visitors to learn more about dog training and handling.
Equestrian displays formed a key part of the day’s programme, showcasing horsemanship skills and the grace and beauty of horses. Highlights included purebred Arabian horse showcases, tent pegging displays and a range of equestrian performances. Visitors also enjoyed horse-riding demonstrations and falconry hunting simulations, bringing together two of the UAE’s most prominent heritage sports and traditions.
The programme also featured a diverse line-up of cultural and entertainment performances, including Japanese Taiko drumming and African drumming, dance and acrobatic displays, highlighting the exhibition’s international appeal and its role in bringing together Emirati heritage and global cultural traditions on a single platform.
Among the key highlights of the eighth day was the horse auction, which showcased a diverse selection of horse breeds and offered owners, breeders and equestrian enthusiasts the opportunity to explore and bid on horses presented as part of the exhibition’s activities.
The day’s programme also featured a range of educational and awareness activities, including a youth workshop at the Learning Majlis, and a session presented by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA). The programme also included participation from the Abu Dhabi Police Traffic and Patrol Directorate.
The National Academy for Childhood Development hosted a workshop on the importance of the Arabic language during early childhood, highlighting its role in preserving cultural identity and strengthening children’s connection to their heritage. The session explored the stages of language development from infancy, emphasising the importance of introducing Arabic from an early age and the role of parents, caregivers and the surrounding environment in supporting language acquisition. Participants were also introduced to practical approaches that families can apply in daily life to enrich children’s vocabulary, enhance communication skills and foster a stronger appreciation of the Arabic language as a cornerstone of Emirati culture and identity.
The 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will continue until Sunday, 6 September 2026, offering visitors a comprehensive programme of activities, displays and experiences that bring together heritage, culture, equestrian sports, falconry and family entertainment under one roof. Through its diverse programme, the exhibition continues to strengthen its role as a global platform for preserving, promoting and passing cultural heritage on to future generations.
