The 17th Edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) came to an end this Saturday in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), that was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of Emirates Falconers’ Club. The exhibition was held for five consecutive days from the 27th to 31st of August under the slogan “Together to Consolidate Sustainable Hunting Initiatives.”
The 17th Edition of the exhibition was visited by His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, the Crown Prince of Ajman His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Mualla, Deputy Ruler of Um Al Quwain, His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, His Excellency Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council-Abu Dhabi as well as other honorable Sheikhs and Excellencies and VIPs from the UAE and other countries that represented diplomatic communities.
His Excellency Majid Al Mansouri Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the exhibition said, “This 17th edition had more than 650 companies and brands, 400 local and international exhibitors from 41 countries, and governmental and non-governmental entities from inside and outside the country, as well as local and international agencies over an area of 45 thousand squared meters. This exhibition has witnessed several media outlets and representatives that reached more than 600 individuals as well as international television and radio channels who covered the exhibition’s various activities. The exhibition received 115,194 visitors and the sales of the exhibition amounted to more than 70 million Dirhams.”
He added, “The Hunting Guns sector saw a significant rise in the amount of pieces that were sold especially with the large participation of major companies, local authorities and organizations. This is especially the case as during the exhibition UAE nationals who are over the age of 21 years were allowed to own three pieces of weapons from the exhibition, and others from the rest of the world could also purchase weapons under the condition of providing a license and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective countries.”
His Excellency expressed his satisfaction and happiness because of the success of the exhibition that has turned into a cultural heritage environmental international festival that is a multicultural forum all under one roof. This success is considered a benchmark for continuity, development and renewal in the upcoming editions. “We have already started putting the basic plans and initial cornerstones of the 18th Edition of the exhibition, in reference to the testimonials of exhibitors, participants and visitors, who expressed their happiness and praised the exhibition and its initiatives that gathered all categories of people of all ages,” Al Mansouri added.
There were several interesting initiatives within the exhibition that were dispersed over eleven sectors which were: Veterinary Products & Services, Hunting Guns, Media, Outdoor Leisure Vehicles and Equipment, Hunting Tourism and Safari, Arts and Crafts, Equestrian, Falconry, Fishing and Marine Sports, Hunting and Camping Equipment and the Promotion and Preservation of Cultural Heritage. This is in addition to the Arena that was dedicated to horse, camel, and dog shows.
Auctions and Great Shows
The visitors and lovers of falconry experienced the debut of the Falcons Auction, which witnessed the participation of dozens of local and international companies specialized in producing the best falcons in the world. The Auction took place over the five days where there was bidding and a competitive spirit between falconers from the GCC to buy the best falcons, which were offered especially for this event. This was all with the aim of encouraging falcon farmers to produce the best falcons and to empower falconers to own the superior falcons at the best prices.
The 25th edition of the Arabic Camels Auction was also tremendously successful. It was organized by Advanced Scientific Group and was designed to attract a wide audience of camel lovers, and focused specifically on camels which are used in racing. The camels did not exceed the age of two years and were affiliated to the strains of ancient authentic breeds that have the ability to compete in races and as a result there was strong participation of bidders from all over the world.
The 17th Edition of ADIHEX also organized the first ever international dog show in the UAE and the performances stunned the visitors and provided an opportunity for fans and visitors to see more than 200 breeds of purebred dogs from more than 15 countries.
Travel the World at ADIHEX featuring the Japanese Pavilion
The visitors of the exhibition were fascinated by the Japanese Pavilion that had a special participation this year with over 50 exhibitors and artists who presented performances and dances that reflect the art and heritage of the Japanese tradition. Those shows were enjoyed by all the visitors, along with many other platforms that showcased Japanese products such as antiques, accessories and various traditional arts.
New Platforms
The new platforms launched by the exhibition for the first time this year witnessed a huge number of visitors such as: the platform for choosing your favorite pet, the platform of workshops and seminars, the heritage platform, the tropical bird show as well as archery activities. Also available was the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter Program, the activations of open house for green and pet friendly buildings and the reading corner. For children there was the puppet show, face painting corner, children’s photography corner, drawing on glass, pony riding corner, an educational cinema and Play with Fayoona. Other corners included connect with nature, a virtual reality arcade and reality simulation corner and finally a Gymkhana corner for People of Determination.
Workshop Against the Illegal Trade in Birds of Prey
The first day of the event witnessed a high-level workshop that tackled the issued surrounding the Illegal Trade in Birds of Prey that was held on the sidelines of the initiatives of the exhibition. It was held in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of ADIHEX and Her Excellency Dr. Sheikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, and a number of local and international officials.
The workshop reviewed the mechanisms of the process and efforts taken by local and international institutions in aiding the efforts of the International Association for Falconry and Emirates Falconers’ Club to promote the elimination of illegal trade of birds of prey. The workshop also showcased the decisions taken by the judiciary department that includes encouraging the reproduction of falcon families and using international scientific controls rather than depending on wild falcons. There were discussions and workshops with decision makers, researchers and specialists to find the right solutions to evade the illegal hunting of birds of prey.
GCC Participation in the Exhibition
ADIHEX 2019 welcomed a huge participation from the GCC, especially from governmental entities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had exhibitors from the Ministry of Interior and the General Department of Arms and Explosives that came to support the exhibition and join the UAE in exchanging experiences. From Kuwait, the Ministry of interior participated through the General Department for Weapons Investigations, in addition to various companies and agencies from heritage sports enthusiasts. This participation has reflected the depths of brotherly relations between the GCC countries and the UAE.
Activities and Children Activations
Children had their fair share of special activities that suited their ages and delivered on their demands in practicing various games creatively and in a fun atmosphere. The current edition of the exhibition had focused on heritage and cultural activations that were also educational and entertaining for children. Moreover, it helped in initiating curiosity through the dedicated Knowledge Corner specialized for inspiring them.
As the exhibition also included entertaining activities on falconry and equestrian, children were encouraged to be creative in drawing on glass, face paint, and Play with Fayoona, as well as watch a puppet show that entertained the kids with its special performances. They also got the chance to ride real ponies that were presented by Dhabian Equestrian Club.
Another interesting activity was the Treasure Hunt that was composed of educational questions focused on the concept of tolerance and love of nature. There was also the Gymkhana for People of Determination, a platform that attracted many visitors from people of determination who enjoyed the multiple displays.
Prizes and Awards
Promoting creativity and camaraderie, ADIHEX hosted several competitions which offered prizes equivalent to more than one million dirhams. There were raffle draws for the visitors of the exhibition throughout the five days. The youngest exhibitor in the exhibition, Sultan Al Muhairbi, 13 years, was awarded during ADIHEX as well as the youngest female exhibitor, Ghaya Al Ahbabi who is 8 years old. This was a step to encourage the young generations and youth to be part of these national and international events to celebrate heritage and promote environmental conservation.
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is organized by Emirates Falconers’ Club. The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, International Fund for Houbara Conservation and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre were the Official Sponsors of the event. While Wahat Al Zaweya was the Sustainability Sponsor and Barary Ain Alfayda Development and Tiger Properties were the Hunting Tourism and Safari Sector Sponsors. Event supporters included the Department of Culture and Tourism and Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee Abu Dhabi. Virgin Megastore continued to be the event’s Official Ticketing Partner, Baynounah TV was the Official Media Partner, Pyramedia was the Media Sector Sponsor. Other sponsors included Smart Design, Dhabian Equestrian Club, Gigaworks, Bin Hamoodah, Emirates Heritage Club, Al Shaali Moto Trading and Bawabat Al Sharq Mall.
