Running from 14th - 17th September 2011, the ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX- Abu Dhabi 2011) looks set to be bigger and better than ever before, with organizers announcing that 95% of exhibition space has been sold.

ADIHEX will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Gharbia (the Western Region) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club. The Exhibition also enjoys the support of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH).

This year, ADIHEX takes place across a bigger area - 31,000 square meters, an increase of 7% over 2010. Organizers expect the increase in floor space to be accompanied by an increase in visitor numbers, which exceeded 100,000 last year. In addition to more exhibitors, a greater number of competitions will keep visitors entertained and informed. These cover the art of making traditional Arabic coffee; the most articulate Nabati (local dialect) poems describing hunters and the loss of falcons; the best research on Arab hunting and Arab equestrianism; paintings of hunting, equestrian and heritage; the most expressive hunting and equestrian photograph; and the ever-popular contest to find the most beautiful and largest mixed-bred falcons.

Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Director of ADIHEX and Director of the Communication Department at ADACH, said, "We are delighted that this year’s exhibition is already proving so popular. The greater number of exhibitors, particularly those from other countries, reflects the growing international appeal and importance of the exhibition. While visitors can see and purchase the latest products for falconry, equestrian pursuits, safaris, outdoor sports and hunting and fishing activities, the exhibition also continues to play an invaluable role in protecting and safeguarding the unique heritage, traditions and values of the UAE. And with more exhibitors and visitors coming from abroad, ADIHEX promotes links between the UAE and the international community." Al Qubaisi continued, "ADIHEX would not take place without the ongoing support of ADACH. Their recent achievements alone signify what an important partner they are, and include the UNESCO registration of Al Ain City as a World Heritage site for its important chain of archaeological sites, historical buildings and natural areas - the first Emirati site on the World Heritage List. We aim to fully support their strategy to preserve tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE." More auctions are also set to take place this year, with the spectacle of bidders competing for prized camels, horses and falcons a highly popular draw for those visiting the exhibition. In 2010, 15 of the UAE’s finest camels went under the hammer, two selling for AED 200,000 each while in previous years some were sold for more than a million dirhams, with the proceeds going towards camel research at the Veterinary Research Centre in Sweihan.

Since its launch, ADIHEX has witnessed staggering growth, gained huge popularity and earned a distinguished position on the UAE and international events calendar. The exhibition is the only one of its kind in the Middle East.

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