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More than 100,000 local, regional and international visitors attended the 14th Abu Dhabi Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, (Adihex) which blended traditional culture and heritage with the latest high tech products for hunting, as well as other outdoor sports and activities.
Organisers said Adihex is considered one of the most important international events, which is focused on the nation’s cultural heritage, and hosts a distinctive group of events that emphasise the role of Abu Dhabi as a sponsor of culture and sustainable hunting, as well as being an international economic hub.
Majid Ali Al Mansour, Chairman of the Organising Committee and Executive Director of the Emirates Falconers Club, said the marked increase in international exhibitors and visitors stood testimony to the prominence of the event globally.
''The UAE has made its presence felt internationally, not only for its cultural and tourism attractions, but also for its strategies to safeguard the global eco-balance out of its conviction that civilisation is an integral part of its rich heritage,'' he added.
Adihex, which ran from 4th to 8th October at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (Adnec), celebrates the deep-rooted heritage and rich culture of the region in hunting, horsemanship and falconry, providing a setting for manufacturers to display their guns, hunting vehicles, shooting, fishing, falconry, other outdoor sports equipment and accessories.
The five-day show was organised by the Emirates Falconers’ Club (EFC), under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi Emirate and Chairman of EFC, with the support of Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee - Abu Dhabi.
The 40,000-square metre space was shared by 650 companies from 40 countries, including 146 exhibitors from the UAE, but also from throughout the region and as far away as Latvia, Poland, Germany, Belgium, UK, the Netherlands, China and Morocco.
Most of the manufacturers have been exhibiting at Adihex in past years, but 90 exhibitors participated in the event for the first time.
Many previously popular culture and heritage shows were back at this year's exhibition, such as Al Ain Zoo’s bird show, the saluki beauty competition, and the dog skills demonstration by the Abu Dhabi Police K9s.
Also, the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) stand was one of the most popular exhibitions among children and adults. A number of workshops set up for children allowed school children to learn about Emirati culture and heritage by creating their own falcon masks, painting desert animals, and even learning how to draw a falcon. While on the other side of the tent, adults could be seen learning how to brew traditional Arabic coffee and watching Emirati handicrafts being made by artisans.
The exhibition has put the UAE, specifically Abu Dhabi, on the world heritage tourism map, as well as the exhibition industry, bringing together leading local, Arab and international companies in the outdoor sports, and safari sectors. Also on display were manufacturers of hunting weapons, traditional craft industries, environment protection and cultural heritage sectors, all under the same roof, where they are able to share and exchange knowledge and experiences and conduct business deals that would yield benefits to all stakeholders.
The Abu Dhabi Environment Agency’s colourful stand drew in crowds who were introduced to the protected areas in the UAE that contain animals, such as flamingos, which could be visited. Visitors also met representatives from the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital who had brought along animals that are available for adoption.
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