Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2018 Opens its Doors Today

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the 16th Edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) was inaugurated at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), which will run until 29th September, and celebrates this year the centennial of the late Sheikh Zayed.

The event is organized by the Emirates Falconers’ Club and is supported by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) and The Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee in addition to many local, regional and international media partners.  

The main sponsor is His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival, while the Gold sponsors are Etisalat, The National and Arabian Tents, Silver sponsors are Wahat Al Zaweya, the Dhabian Equestrian Club, Smart Design LLC and Tiger Properties and the Bronze sponsors are AlMoe and National Geographic.

This year the exhibition presents a happy surprise for its visitors for the ‘Year of Zayed’ - a photo exhibition of more than 3000 photographs of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan during his falconry hunting trips from 1976 to 2004 taken by the photographer Mohamed Khalidi.

There are several exhibitors who are participating for the first time, in addition to exhibitors who are keen to participate annually in the largest exhibition of its kind in the field of hunting, equestrian and heritage preservation. This year's exhibition is filled with many different events, whether it is the sections and platforms of exhibitors or the arena of activities that is full of sporting, cultural and heritage events.

The exhibition caters to an audience of different ages, with attractive activities for young people to encourage them to visit the exhibition and to learn about an important aspect of ancestral life related to hunting and equestrian.    

The exhibition focuses on the interest in environmental issues, wildlife conservation, raising awareness of sustainable hunting methods, falconry, saluki dogs and special care is given to motivate the public to participate in the protection of endangered animals such as the Houbara.

Many educational activities have been developed around falconry, equestrian, environment and sustainable hunting, and there are many sports competitions, cultural and entertainment activities, auctions and art exhibitions.

The Year of Zayed

The 16th Edition of ADIHEX is dedicated to celebrate the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed. It focuses on the late Sheikh Zayed’s interests including the protection of the environment, falconry, sustainable hunting and equestrian as a legacy of ancestors.

The exhibition is held this year on an area of 40,000 square meters, and is attended by more than 650 companies and brands from 40 countries, and the number of visitors is expected to exceed more than 100,000.