Abu Dhabi: The 12th edition of the biggest hunting event in the region, the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) is set to begin on Wednesday, the Tourism and Culture Authority Abu Dhabi (TCA-AD) announced on Sunday.
Held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, the exhibition is set to be the biggest so far, with 120,000 visitors expected over its three-day duration.
Mohammad Khalaf Al Mazroui, Chairman of Adihex Higher Organising Committee, said: “This unique heritage event has, in fact, developed into a significant local, regional and international asset.”
The official added that Adihex is gaining momentum in its role as a regional and global landmark.
“The total area allocated for exhibiting companies has witnessed a considerable increase of more than 18 per cent. The number of participating countries has also increased by a similar rate, with the participation, this year, of more than 640 companies from 48 countries from across the world,” he told a press conference in Abu Dhabi.
Al Mazroui highlighted how this year’s programme will also feature a high number of UAE-based companies.
“Despite the large international presence, the number of the participating UAE organisations has seen a significant increase with over 120 local exhibitors, in addition to several government entities whose mandate is to preserve the environment, culture and heritage, and promote leisure activities as well as authentic traditional sports,” he said.
He also spoke positively on how the ADIHEX exhibition gave attention to local Emirati and Arab customs and traditions.
“We seize this occasion once again to remind ourselves of the momentous and permanent efforts made by the UAE in the support and encouragement of a strategy aimed at safeguarding heritage, traditions and genuine Arab values,” he added.
The exhibition will feature equestrian shows, performances by folk art groups, various kinds of hunting and archery activities, camel auctions, as well as a beauty contest for falcons bred in captivity.
Competitions will also be held for artists and photographers for the best hunting, equestrian, and heritage paintings and photographs.
-Sami Zaatari is a trainee at Gulf News
