Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club, the 20th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2023), will be launched on September 2nd with the participation of 1200 companies and brands from 65 countries, organized by the Emirates Falconers Club from 2 to 8 September.
His Excellency Majed Ali Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of ADIHEX and Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers Club extended his sincere gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club, and the patron of the event, for their Highness’s generous guidance and unlimited support to the exhibition, and for all the local efforts that contribute to preserving the Emirati heritage.
In his speech in Abu Dhabi during the press conference, H.E. announced that ADIHEX achieved qualitative success in this new edition, with the participation of more than 1200 exhibitors and brands from 65 countries over an area of about 65,000 SQM. The number of exhibitors has increased 25 times, since the first edition, and the exhibition area has expanded 12 times, whereas the number of visitors has increased by about 4 times, to exceed more than 120,000 visitors from 125 nationalities in the last edition.
This is in addition to the participation of more than 400 exhibitors from the UAE, which is a clear indication of the establishment and growth of an active national private sector that improves the industry of the various sectors of ADIHEX.
His Excellency stated that the theme of this year’s edition: “Sustainability and Heritage… A Reborn Aspiration” reflects the visions of His Highness, the patron of the event, and the UAE’s strategy to enhance the concept of sustainability and preservation of heritage with a renewable and innovative spirit, as the exhibition strengthens its efforts to achieve this through the long-term plans it adopts.
He revealed that, with the launch of ADIHEX, this year’s visitors will witness more than 200 activities and events that will take place within the exhibition halls.
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition also announced more specialized heritage, artistic and cultural competitions, with 64 awards allocated for the winners.
The Emirates Falconers’ Club is organizing the conference “Sustainable Falconry: Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Century”. Moreover, ADIHEX will also organize the Media conference ” The Role of Media in Preserving Falconry and Intangible Cultural Heritage”.
The unique auctions organized by ADIHEX represent a valuable opportunity to get acquainted closely with some of the most important pillars of Emirati and Arab heritage and authentic traditions. This year, the first knives auction will be held along with the first arts and crafts auction in the history of the exhibition. This is in addition to the auctions of Arabian camels and captive-bred falcons, which achieved unprecedented success in the last edition.
This edition of ADIHEX will provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the culture of the UAE and its authentic heritage through diverse and innovative activities, which work towards raising awareness about the importance of preserving the environment and wildlife. Additionally, it encourages them to engage in traditional and environmentally friendly sports sustainably.
During the press conference, Al Mansoori revealed that following the tremendous success of the intergenerational falcon auction in the previous edition, the Emirates Falconers’ Club is preparing to launch a distinctive and advanced version of the auction.
This year’s auction coincides with the preparations for the new 2023-2024 hunting season as well as the falconry championships and competitions.
H.E. also noted that the UAE is a global leader in the practice of breeding falcons within families, with laws, regulations, and systems that protect the falconry heritage and support those involved in falcon breeding.
Among the participants in the Press conference were Mr. Omar Fouad Ahmad, Member of the Higher Organizing Committee, ADIHEX Director, and Projects Director at the Emirates Falconers Club, His Excellency Brigadier Salem Hmoud Al Baloushi, Director of the Weapons and Explosives Department at the Abu Dhabi Police, Member of the Higher Organizing Committee, and His Excellency Colonel Abdul Rahman Ali Al Mansouri, Acting Director of the Weapons and Explosives Directorate at the Ministry of Interior, member of the Supreme Organizing Committee.
Products and Events
On his part, the exhibition’s director, Omar Fouad Ahmed, stated that ADIHEX represents an opportunity to discover and experience the latest innovations and products presented by hundreds of local and international exhibitors, representing renowned global brands. Attendees can acquire the latest in the world of falconry, handicrafts, hunting and shooting weapons, equestrian supplies, camping, safari, and outdoor sports at affordable prices.
Moreover, ADIHEX covers 11 sectors, with exhibitors offering special discounts in conjunction with the event.
He added, “Exhibitors achieved direct sales of over 65 million Emirati dirhams last year, with around 35 million dirhams in the hunting and shooting weapons sector. The most expensive falcon in the history of the exhibition was sold for over 1 million Emirati dirhams.”
He explained that engaging activities await visitors, allowing them to experience special moments through watching live and rare displays of falcons, dogs, horses, and camels in one of the most attractive venues, the main arena, in addition to live musical and heritage shows.
The exhibition’s audience can look forward to innovative competitions, and traditional and live heritage shows, that are fun and informative for the whole family.
In conjunction with the launch of the 20th edition of ADIHEX, the main arena will present an exclusive show that reflects the exhibition’s history over the past years as well as the most captivating musical and heritage sports shows.
Furthermore, the event will feature numerous activities that reflect the pillars of the deep-rooted heritage that the exhibition highlights.
ADIHEX is expected to welcome 150 speakers, who will offer their techniques, skills, visions, and professional experiences through workshops and educational seminars that serve as sources of knowledge and means for achieving and developing business success.
The exhibition director revealed that numerous activities and events will be hosted by the Sustainability Platform, the Outdoor Adventure Platform, the Arts and Crafts Platform, and the Nature and Animal Interaction Platform.
Weapons and Hunting Equipment
In response to a question, Lieutenant Colonel Abdulrahman Ali Al Mansouri, Acting Director of the Weapons and Explosives Directorate at the Ministry of Interior, clarified that the procedures for acquiring and selling hunting weapons during the exhibition days are clear.
He further stated that the Ministry of Interior has introduced an electronic program and a smart application for purchasing hunting weapons. A comprehensive platform has been set up at the exhibition to facilitate all buying and selling procedures, including the collection of weapons. As a result, buyers no longer need to approach any other entity.
