Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Gharbia (the Western Region) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, President of the Emirates Falconers Club, Abu Dhabi is holding the ninth session of the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX- Abu Dhabi 2011) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from September 14th -17th , 2011.

The Exhibition also enjoys the support of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage.

Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Director of ADIHEX and Director of Communication Department at ADACH, said that this year’s ninth session "will be held in a larger area (an estimated 31,000 sq metres) where the latest and best products relating to falconry, equestrian pursuits, safaris, outdoor sports, hunting weapons, components and ammunition and fishing equipment will be on display. There will also be displays of antiques and traditional arts." He announced the start of registration for the various competitions taking place at the annual Exhibition, noting that the deadline for local applications will be on August 30th while international applicants have until September 12th to register.

The unique competitions of ADIHEX had enjoyed a wide international publicity during the past sessions for their bid to preserve heritage and traditions while promoting methods that protect the environment and apply the principle of "sustainable hunting".

The competitions include one on the art of making coffee according to traditional Arabic methods, under the supervision of the Department of Intangible Heritage at ADACH; on the most articulate Nabati (local dialect) poems describing hunters and the loss of falcons, under the supervision of the Poetry Academy at ADACH; and on the best research about Arab hunting and equestrian at the Arabs, under the supervision of the National Library and the Media Office.

Meanwhile, the Department of Culture in ADACH is organising a contest on the most beautiful painting on hunting, equestrian and heritage, in addition to a competition on the most expressive photograph on hunting and equestrian.

In addition to these competitions, the programme for events accompanying the Exhibition will include many varied traditional and cultural events, which are expected to attract tens of thousands of interested visitors and advocates of traditional sports.

The painting and photography contests come as part of the keenness to preserve the local heritage, familiarize people with the sports of fathers and forefathers, and to contribute to the history of wildlife and the desert environment. They are also intended to shed light on the prestigious position of falcons and horses in the UAE, and familiarize the generations with the cultural, civil, and environmental heritage of their fathers and forefathers as well as the importance of preserving it.

The Arabic Coffee contest, which is aimed at reviving the Emirati heritage and protecting and introducing the original customs and traditions, includes three categories of participants. They are the under 20 year old category, the 20-50 year old category, and the above 50 year old category. The contest is open to all citizens and residents.

Unique competitions, organised by the Emirates Falconers Club, include a contest on the most beautiful and largest mixed-bred falcons (breeding in captivity) of three types: wild Gyr, Shaheen Gyr and male Gyr. These contests aim to promote sustainable hunting by encouraging falconers to use mixed-bred falcons, a method that proved to be useful in safeguarding wild birds and protecting them from being hunted.

This contest has gained a great worldwide fame, attracted several breeding farms of falcons in the Gulf region and the World, and won the appreciation of regional and international bodies concerned with the safeguarding of heritage and protection of environment.

Last year’s session witnessed the participation of 589 exhibitors from thirty-nine countries, boasting a total exhibiting area of 29,000 sq metres. The Exhibition attracted more than 100,000 visitors.

Since its launch, ADIHEX has witnessed staggering growth and gained huge popularity and a distinguished position. This reputation has been earned thanks to its endless efforts to support and encourage the protection and safeguarding of the heritage, traditions and values of the UAE.

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