Abu Dhabi: More than 100,000 people are expected to visit the upcoming Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex), which runs from September 12 to September 16, its organisers said on Sunday.
Now in its 15th edition, the Adihex — held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconer’s Club — has become the region’s largest hunting and equestrian event, showcasing the latest hunting equipment and technologies. This year’s event also promises to be its biggest one yet spanning more than 43,000 square metres, with a number activities lined up for visitors to enjoy including, learning about hunting, outdoor sports, horse performances and auctions.
“This year, Adihex continues its development on the path of success and progress … The new edition is set to be the biggest and most outstanding in the history of the exhibition, with an official site which spans over more than 43,000 square metres and the participation of more than 600 companies from 40 countries,” said Abdullah Butti Al Qubaisi, Director of Adihex 2017.
“We are expecting exciting activities and events to attract more than 100,000 visitors over five days,” he added.
Al Qubaisi said that different sections of the exhibition will offer unique attraction for visitors.
“The pavilions at Adihex will be separated into areas that allow visitors to experience cultural heritage in all its aspects. Visitors can learn about hunting skills and equipment, watersports, outdoor sports, and equestrian activities, in a way that guarantees an inspirational experience for all,” he said.
“The exhibition arena will host performances by K9 police dogs, camel auction, horse auction, and horse performances. Adihex 2017 will also feature archery performances in cooperation with a number of international exhibitors,” he added.
Al Qubaisi said that particular attention would also be given to traditional Emirati culture and heritage.
“The pavilion of the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee — Abu Dhabi, will carry an enlightening touch while providing visitors with a vivid panoramic representation of traditional life, including ancient crafts and popular arts from different environments of the UAE.
“The aspects of old life, on land and at sea, are widely recognised by the committee as valuable treasures to be protected, developed and preserved for future generations,” he added.
Majid Ali Al Mansouri, chairman of the higher organising committee of Adihex, said that sustainable hunting would also form a main theme for the exhibition which, he said was inspired by the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.
“Hunting and equestrian activities are traditional sports, the noble values of which we have inherited from the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was a pioneer in sustainable hunting, heritage preservation and the conservation of species.
“Adihex has succeeded in promoting the efforts of the UAE in the fields of sustainable hunting and the protection of falcons by means of the Shaikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme … Adihex has also promoted the role of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation in breeding birds into captivity before their release in the wild,” he added.
Adihex 2017
Where: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
When: September 12 to September 16
Timing: 11am to 10pm
