On September 8, 2023, the 20th edition of the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Abu Dhabi 2023), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Representative of the Ruler in the Al Dhafra region and the President of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, concluded its activities.
Organized by the Emirates Falconers’ Club, ADIHEX ran for 7 days under the theme ” Sustainability & Heritage… A Reborn Aspiration”, attracting more than 1,220 exhibitors and brands from 65 countries, covering an area of approximately 65,000 square meters.
The Largest Edition in ADIHEX’s History
The 20th edition is the largest in ADIHEX’s history, with the number of exhibitors increasing more than 25 folds since the first edition and the exhibition area expanding by 12 folds. In addition, visitor numbers increased approximately fourfold.
Moreover, 411 UAE companies participated in ADIHEX, a clear indication of the continuous growth of national companies in the field of hunting and heritage sports.
Visitors enjoyed more than 200 exciting activities and events, witnessing rare live demonstrations of falcons, dogs, horses, and camels in the live shows area.
In addition, the event featured distinctive artistic and musical activities that attracted visitors.
Scientific Conferences and Workshops
During the exhibition, the Emirates Falconers’ Club, in cooperation with the International Falconry Federation for the Conservation of Birds of Prey, organized a conference titled “Sustainable Falconry: Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Century.”
Furthermore, the exhibition organized a conference on “The Role of Media in Preserving Falconry and Intangible Cultural Heritage,” with wide participation.
The new edition featured a very successful auction for captive-bred falcons, especially with the presentation of 210 falcons for bidding by the Pro-Falcon Centre in Al Ain.
The centre is the first and largest project in the Middle East in terms of capabilities and production capacity, and one of the world’s largest projects for the conservation of falcons, producing high-quality falcons.
The sustainability platform provided the ideal place for official bodies, local and international companies, social institutions, and community groups to meet researchers, experts, and students to exchange knowledge and collaborate on important sustainability goals.
The exhibition hosted more than 50 seminars, workshops, and events that contributed to promoting its messages and theme and enhancing the development of products and sales, environmental sustainability, and related businesses in the 11 sectors of the event.
Remarkable Turnout
The event attracted the participation of tens of thousands of enthusiasts of heritage sports, including falconry, equestrianism, shooting, land and sea hunting, as well as outdoor activities such as camping and outdoor adventures.
This edition was particularly characterized by a significant turnout of families who took their children, school students, tourists, and visitors who all enjoyed a thrilling and exciting atmosphere.
The largest event of its kind in the Middle East and Africa continued to meet new challenges by developing all its sectors and events, in line with its cultural, environmental, and economic goals.
It plays an increasingly important role in developing companies’ businesses and providing more business opportunities.
Around 60 official bodies from government institutions, clubs, and associations concerned with environmental preservation and the promotion of intangible cultural heritage participated in the event.
Unprecedented Success
His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Supreme Committee organizing the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition and secretary-general of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, emphasized that the unprecedented success achieved by the 20th edition in all aspects is thanks to the great dedication and unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Representative of the Ruler in the Al Dhafra region, and President of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the patron of the exhibition.
He expressed sincere thanks, appreciation, and pride to their Highnesses for their continuous support and follow-up, affirming that ADIHEX will continue to develop plans, projects and content in the coming editions.
He also extended his thanks and appreciation to all participants in the exhibition from within the UAE and abroad, including companies, exhibitors, sponsors, supporters, and partners, as well as all representatives of the media, for their role in achieving this success.
