Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the 21st edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) has successfully concluded at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

The largest edition in the exhibition’s history since its first launch in 2003 was organized by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club. Now established as a renowned global event, ADIHEX 2024 reaffirming its leading position as a celebration of heritage, culture, and the great outdoors.

This year’s edition of ADIHEX welcomed 347,481 visitors from around the world, a 205% increase on last year’s edition, along with 1,742 exhibiting companies and brands from 65 countries including Japan.

Mohammed Al Shehhi, owner of the first UAE’s first owl café “Boomah Café” mentioned to Arab News Japan that they were very pleased for their second participation at the event: “An opportunity like no other to network with other cultures and innovative minds from all around the world. Our participation comes again thanks to Khalifa Fund’s limitless support to us.”

“It has been heartwarming to see people of all ages and nationalities come up close to our owls every day, observing their beauty and getting the chance to show them some love while enjoying a day full of activities at ADIHEX. We are proud to be home to 13 different home-bred and rescued owls, caring for them, ensuring their wellbeing, and providing them with their social need,” he added.

Japanese artist Fumika Tanaka, who is specialized with the Ink Painting “Ametsuchi” Art told Arab New Japan that she is grateful to participate at this year’s edition of ADIHEX: “this is my second participation at the event and I was very pleased to meet many people and talking with them about my artworks and the importance of the culture exchange and similarities between UAE and Japan.”

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “The 21st edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Show was a landmark event that reinforced Abu Dhabi’s position as a global centre for celebrating the cultural heritage associated with hunting and equestrianism. This year, we witnessed an immense turnout of participants, exhibitors and visitors that reflected a growing interest in preserving our local traditions while also continuing to innovate and embrace new developments.”

Al Dhaheri thanked the wise leadership for their unlimited support that contributed to the success of the current edition of the exhibition. He also thanked the many sponsors and partners from the public and private sectors that worked to make the event a success that befits the reputation and status of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE at the regional and international levels.

Saad Al Hassani, Director of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Show, said: “We are proud of the success of this year’s ADIHEX show and the wide participation of local and international exhibitors who showcased the authentic cultural heritage associated with the sport of hunting and equestrianism. The show has provided a global forum for cultural exchange and the promotion of sustainable practices, reflecting our commitment to building a bright future that reflects the authenticity of our past.” 

This year’s edition of the event featured 11 distinct sectors including equestrian, falconry, hunting, fishing, camping, arts and crafts, and UAE heritage and traditions. The show also introduced several new events including the Knowledge Platform, which hosted many engaging dialogues and discussions on sustainable hunting and conservation.

One of the highlights of this year’s event was the daily falcon auction held at the Arena, which highlighted the UAE’s pioneering role in falconry as part of its ongoing support for wildlife conservation and preservation. For the first time in its history, ADIHEX offered online bidding for the superb falcons displayed in a special exhibition area.

The live auction itself provided a platform for participants to showcase falcons bred to perform to the highest level on hunting trips and in competitions. The Elite Falcon Auction also taking place during the show featured bids for premium-quality falcons in the presence of thousands of falcon enthusiasts from across the UAE.

ADIHEX also saw the setting of a prestigious Guinness World Record for creating the world’s largest falcon burqa, with representatives from Guinness World Records measuring the burqa at 1.95 meters in diameter. To achieve the record, the falcon hood needed to be at least 1.65 meters in diameter, with this hood not only meeting but exceeding those requirements.

The exhibition also organized educational and interactive visits for thousands of school children visiting from across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The guided visits provided an enriching experience that enabled students to learn about Emirati culture, heritage, and sustainability practices through interactive sessions, activities and events throughout the week.

The nine-day event also featured a vast range of activities appealing to all age groups, including educational workshops on wildlife conservation and sustainable hunting practices, interactive experiences such as falcon identification sessions led by Al Ain Zoo, and traditional Emirati dance performances by Ubud.

The event also provided a unique platform for companies to showcase the latest innovations and products in the hunting, equestrian and outdoor adventure sectors.