The Sixteenth Edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) will be held from Tuesday, September 25, 2018, and will run until September 29 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), officials announced at a press conference in Abu Dhabi.
This year’s ADIHEX will celebrate the legacy of UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The exhibition will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club.
The event is organized by the Emirates Falconers’ Club and Informa Middle East, and is supported by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) and The Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee in addition to many local, regional and international media partners.
The main sponsor is His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival, while the Gold sponsors are Etisalat, The National and Arabian Tents, Silver sponsors are Wahat Al Zaweya, the Dhabian Equestrian Club, Smart Design LLC and Tiger Properties and the Bronze sponsors are AlMoe and National Geographic.
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, the region’s largest exhibition for hunting, equestrian and heritage preservation attracts a large and diverse number of exhibitors from the UAE and across the world.
ADIHEX is also known for the extensive participation of local and international companies in the field of environmental conservation and cultural heritage, hunting, tourism, safaris, weapons, falconry, equestrian, marine sports, outdoor leisure and vehicle equipment. This is in addition to arts, crafts and entertainment for children.
His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of ADIHEX and Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, said: “This year’s edition of ADIHEX has been dedicated to celebrate the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”
“The exhibition will give us the opportunity to showcase the most important initiatives and activities that highlights Sheikh Zayed’s personality and his love to promote and spread cultural and human heritage.”
He added, “Activities and events at the 2018 exhibition will be within the framework of hunting, equestrian and heritage. Throughout some of the key sections of the exhibition, there will be some activities dedicated to highlighting the important role of Sheikh Zayed in the heritage sport and the honor of his attending the first edition of ADIHEX in 2003.”
According to Al Mansouri, based on the previous editions, this year’s exhibition has been turned into a global destination with an interactive and educational journey that inspires visitors to get more cultural awareness through a moving experience.
He explained that visitors will now find it much easier to move from one section to the other and enjoy all the educational activities in the field of falconry, equestrian, environment and sustainable hunting. In addition, there are many sports competitions in cultural and recreational activities and auctions and art exhibitions by the International Fund for the Houbara Conservation (IFHC).
The Year of Zayed
ADIHEX 2018 coincides with the ‘Year of Zayed’ in memory of the 100 years’ birth date of the late Sheikh Zayed and aims to highlight his efforts and activities as the first falconer, promoting and development of hunting and equestrian sport, and one of the most important leaders in the field of protecting the environment.
Sheikh Zayed – The First Falconer Gallery
At the exhibition there will be the largest exhibit of rare photos of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan- which were taken from the falconry hunting trips, most of which are being exhibited for the first time and were taken with the lens of the photographer Mohamed Al Khaldi.
Competitions, Live Performances and Heritage Activities
This year’s event will witness a series of activities and events such as the Arabian Saluki, as well as recreational and heritage activities. The exhibition also features live performances such as beauty shows and live shows for horses, K9 dogs, birds and falcons. Additionally there are art exhibitions, photo galleries and falconry. ADIHEX 2018 also boasts heritage workshops and many other activities including marine sports in addition to arts and crafts.
Auction and Hunting Activities
For animal enthusiasts and owners, the 16th edition of ADIHEX will witness a camel auction, as well as a silent online auction. Also, there will be numerous hunting activities such as such as archery shooting range, shooting simulator, paintball, target shooting range and airsoft shooting.
Children’s Area and Exhibits
ADIHEX 2018 has a dedicated Kid’s Knowledge Area with activities such as workshops and games that spread environmental awareness among children and link them to the exhibition with the aim of instilling in them heritage and historical customs. The children’s activities will be organized in cooperation with the Mohammed bin Zayed School of Falconry and Desert Physiognomy, the Dhabian Equestrian Club and the International Fund for Houbara Conservation.
The Organising Committee of ADIHEX always ensures that with every edition visitors can experience UAE cultural heritage in all its aspects and learn about the latest equipment for camping, fishing and hunting equipment, watersports, outdoor sports, and equestrian activities. Last year’s exhibition was a great success and attracted more than 100,000 visitors from more than 120 nationalities.
