Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the 22nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2025 concluded with unprecedented success.
The exhibition attracted more than 379,572 visitors over nine days, marking a growth rate of 9.2% compared to the 2024 edition. Organised by ADNEC Group, in cooperation with the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the event received wide acclaim from both exhibitors and visitors, solidifying its status as the largest and most vibrant edition since its launch in 2003.
The exhibition reaffirmed its position as a prestigious global platform, reflecting the UAE’s deep commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting innovation in outdoor sports, falconry, equestrian activities, and sustainable hunting.
A Prestigious Platform
His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, emphasised that this year’s edition reinforced Abu Dhabi’s standing as an international hub for safeguarding the traditions of hunting and equestrianism.
“This edition witnessed unprecedented interaction from participants, exhibitors, and visitors, a clear indication of the growing global interest in authentic Emirati traditions alongside a spirit of innovation and future development in this field,” he said.
Al Mansouri extended his appreciation to the UAE’s wise leadership for their vital role in supporting the exhibition’s success, and expressed gratitude to sponsors and partners whose contributions ensured the exceptional outcomes of this edition.
Falcon Auctions and Expansions
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, noted that this year’s exhibition brought together experts and enthusiasts across its 15 sectors, along with families and heritage lovers from the UAE and around the world.
He highlighted the successful launch of eight falcon auctions, held for the first time—four before and four during the event—featuring some of the finest local and international breeds, which drew strong interest from collectors and falconry professionals.
Al Dhaheri further revealed that over 60% of exhibition space has already been booked for the next edition, reflecting the strong confidence of exhibitors and global brands. Building on this success, ADNEC announced the launch of the Al Ain International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, to be held for the first time at ADNEC Al Ain in November 2025, underscoring the cultural importance of Al Ain as a centre for heritage and falconry.
He added: “The outstanding success of this year’s exhibition reflects the UAE’s commitment to passing on its cultural and civilisational heritage to future generations, while supporting initiatives in sustainable hunting, wildlife conservation, and environmental protection.”
Moreover, many companies, exhibitors, and brands expressed great interest in taking part in the inaugural edition of the exhibition.
Al Dhaheri extended his gratitude and appreciation to the wise leadership for its commitment to passing on the nation’s cultural and civilisational heritage to future generations, and for supporting initiatives dedicated to sustainable hunting, wildlife and marine conservation, and environmental protection. He also thanked all those who contributed to this achievement—from exhibitors, partners, and sponsors to visitors—and added: “We look forward to continuing to build on this rich legacy in the years to come.”
A Global Gathering
Saad Al Hassani, Director of ADIHEX, said the exhibition further consolidated its reputation as a world-class cultural platform, highlighting sustainable hunting practices and environmental protection under the theme ‘The Legacy Lives On’.
He noted that this year’s edition hosted 46 leading falcon farms from the UAE and abroad, giving visitors a unique opportunity to explore and acquire high-quality falcons from around the world.
The exhibition also achieved new records in international participation, bringing together 2,068 exhibitors and brands representing 68 countries, a testament to the growing global momentum surrounding this heritage and cultural event.
15 Specialised Sectors
This year’s edition stood out with 15 specialised sectors, ranging from equestrian sports, falconry, and land and marine hunting, to camping, arts and crafts, and authentic Emirati heritage. For the first time, four new sectors were introduced: a marketplace, a dedicated knives sector, an Arabian Saluki sector, and a camel sector—adding new dimensions to the visitor experience.
The event also expanded its interactive programming, with the return of the renowned Knowledge Platform alongside specialised workshops and forums focused on sustainability and environmental conservation. Notably, the exhibition hosted its largest-ever falcon auction series, the eighth since ADIHEX’s inception, featuring eight auctions that saw the sale of 57 falcons for a total of AED 2.199 million, with over 21,795 participants attending onsite and online.
Camel and horse auctions added further variety, with the camel auction achieving AED 1.7 million in sales, while the Arabian horse auction made a strong comeback, recording more than AED 500,000 in sales. These achievements reinforced ADIHEX’s role as a comprehensive platform that blends heritage with commercial excellence.
Interactive Heritage Experiences
The exhibition maintained its strong focus on education and community engagement, welcoming thousands of school students who gained first-hand insight into Emirati heritage and conservation practices.
To enrich visitor experiences, ADIHEX 2025 introduced 11 new features, including interactive activities for children such as the Young Falconer’s Village and Majlis etiquette learning area, which offered workshops on falconry skills and traditional craftsmanship.
Children also enjoyed cultural activities and learned Emirati customs such as greeting guests, and serving Arabic coffee, all within an immersive heritage setting.
The Arena hosted a diverse array of competitions and shows, blending tradition with innovation. Highlights included the Falcon Beauty Contest, the Arabian Saluki Beauty Competition, the International Dog Show, camel auctions, and the UAE Trainers Championship, all of which attracted thousands of visitors and celebrated authentic Emirati culture.
Beyond achieving record numbers, this edition reaffirmed the exhibition’s position as a global ambassador that reflects the depth of Emirati heritage and its ambitious vision for the future.
ADNEC Group underscored its continued commitment to developing this international event by broadening its scope, diversifying its programmes, and strengthening the engagement of both local and international communities in future editions. The Group expressed its gratitude to all the sponsors whose contributions ensured the success of the 22nd edition, noting that this fruitful collaboration embodies the spirit of partnership and integration between the public and private sectors, while further enhancing the exhibition’s standing as a leading global platform for heritage, culture, and sustainability.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Building on the record-breaking success of 2025, ADIHEX will return to ADNEC Abu Dhabi on 29 August 2026, promising an even more diverse programme and wider international participation. The upcoming edition aims to showcase the region’s deep-rooted heritage while introducing the latest innovations in hunting and equestrianism, further enhancing global partnerships and enriching visitor experiences across all age groups.
UAE President Visits ADIHEX 2025
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, visited the 22nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2025 on 6 September.
During his tour, His Highness viewed national pavilions that highlighted the authenticity of Emirati cultural heritage while showcasing innovative solutions and advanced tools that seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. He also explored international pavilions, where he was introduced to a range of new products and technologies supporting responsible and sustainable practices in hunting and equestrianism.
His Highness emphasised the importance of preserving the national heritage and strengthening the connection of future generations with their cultural legacy to ensure its sustainability. He noted that ADIHEX embodies the values of authenticity, national pride, and commitment to safeguarding the traditions of the forefathers in hunting and equestrian pursuits, while also promoting sustainability through innovative initiatives that protect the environment and its resources.
Sheikh Mohamed praised the high level of organisation at ADIHEX 2025, describing it as a comprehensive model for managing major international events and a distinguished global platform for cultural exchange. He stressed that the exhibition not only bridges the past with the present and tradition with innovation but also highlights the capabilities of Emiratis in shaping a renewed success story with every edition.
His Highness was accompanied during the tour by H.H. Sheikh Diab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Martyrs’ Families Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, along with a number of senior officials.
Dubai Crown Prince Tours ADIHEX 2025
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, visited the 22nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2025 on 30 August.
During his tour, His Highness inspected several pavilions and explored the latest displays and initiatives featured in what has become the largest and most comprehensive edition in the exhibition’s history. The event, running from 30 August to 7 September, has reaffirmed its status as one of the region’s and the world’s most prominent cultural and heritage platforms.
Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on key local and international contributions in the hunting and equestrian industries, including the latest innovations and modern technologies shaping these sectors. He also met with participants and reviewed a number of national initiatives and cultural programmes accompanying the exhibition.
Organisational Excellence
The Crown Prince of Dubai praised the outstanding organisational efforts that delivered the event in a manner befitting the UAE’s global reputation and leadership in hosting world-class events.
“ADIHEX is more than just a cultural or sporting event—it is an authentic Emirati message to the world that we are a nation capable of safeguarding its heritage and passing it on to future generations with a modern spirit that preserves our identity and highlights our values,” he said.
“What we witnessed today—from the creativity and achievements of our national teams and companies to the impressive contributions of regional and international participants—confirms that the UAE has successfully positioned itself as a global hub for equestrianism and sustainable hunting, and a destination for those seeking authenticity infused with innovation,” His Highness added.
Heritage and Sustainability
Sheikh Hamdan further noted: “We take pride in the fact that this exhibition reflects the legacy of our forefathers in equestrianism and hunting, while at the same time demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to environmental protection and wildlife preservation, in line with the wise leadership’s vision for sustainability and conservation. This is a responsibility we carry as a trust for future generations.”
He emphasised that the contributions of Emirati youth in innovation and their active presence at this global platform inspire confidence and ensure that the nation’s cultural identity remains dynamic, relevant, and deeply rooted. “We want this exhibition to always be a model that unites the world around the values of sport, heritage, and sustainability—a beacon connecting past and future, authenticity and modernity.”
Pavilion Highlights
Accompanied by Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, Sheikh Hamdan visited the Caracal pavilion, part of EDGE Group, where he was introduced to the latest Emirati innovations in light weapons and ammunition. He also toured the Al Ghadeer pavilion of the Emirates Red Crescent, which showcased traditional handcrafted products made from local materials, designed to preserve and share the UAE’s cultural heritage with younger generations.
His Highness also attended a live performance by the “Al Meqnas” falconry team, which presented a dynamic reenactment of traditional falconry practices, including daily hunting scenarios and the terminology used among falconers, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into the authenticity and artistry of this Emirati tradition.
