ADIHEX strives to preserve heritage and authentic traditions.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX, Sept. 26 — Oct. 2) has announced the opening of admissions for participation in its specialised heritage, artistic and cultural competitions, which include 25 categories and sections. Registration is open till August 31, 2022, and 43 prizes have been allocated for winners.

The upcoming (19th) edition will be organised by Emirates Falconers’ Club, and sponsored by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, International Fund for Houbara Conservation and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, where the event is being held.

Sustainability & Heritage … A Reborn Aspiration is the theme of ADIHEX, reflecting the efforts of Abu Dhabi and the world to enhance sustainability of the environment, hunting, heritage sports and related businesses.

The competitions are those for the best invention in the field of falconry and hunting, the best vehicle dedicated to hunting trips, the most beautiful captive-bred falcons, and the best display platform/stand in each of the 11 sectors of the exhibition, in addition to the beauty contests for Arabian Saluki dogs.

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They also include the contest for the most beautiful photograph that reflects the theme of the 19th edition and also the contest for the best video clip of ADIHEX 2022.

In addition, ADIHEX has also launched the most beautiful/best falcon hood (burqa) competition, and the best models of heritage artifacts in the arts and crafts section.

In the context of promoting awareness of cultural heritage, the public will be introduced to many heritage activities, including popular games for children, live heritage workshops (Al-Sadu, Al-Tali, Al-Khous, pottery and glass), in addition to models of old traditional Emirati houses such as Bait Al Bahar (house of the sea), Bait Al Shaar (house of hair) and traditional artifacts made of palm fronds.

The Arts and Crafts sector will highlight the aesthetics of the UAE’s cultural heritage, and the efforts exerted to raise awareness of the importance of preserving traditional crafts and professions, and the sustainability of traditional industries.

 Equestrian events are an important part of ADIHEX.

Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of ADIHEX and Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, emphasised that ADIHEX is not only an international forum for the manufacturers of hunting equipment and weapons, and those interested in land and sea trips, or equestrian and falconry fans, but also hosts several events for craftsmen that embodies history and heritage and simulates the ancient environment, as they are derived from the UAE’s authentic customs and traditions, which in turn contributes to ensuring the sustainability and promotion of handicrafts.

The last edition witnessed the presence of several handicrafts and heritage crafts and the participation of multiple entities, the most important of which was Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts Foundation, one of the pioneering projects of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, under the patronage of Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan.

It aims to empower low income women working in the field of sustainable crafts, raise their capabilities and skills in designing, manufacturing and marketing local products, and preserving heritage crafts. Over 200 female artisans from different parts of the UAE are among the members of Al Ghadeer Foundation.

The Khalifa Fund also participated with 21 projects of SMEs under its umbrella. Saeed bin Ali Al-Mannai, Director of Activities Department at Emirates Heritage Club, stated that the Club has been participating annually in ADIHEX, since it was a platform for several heritage presentations that reflect the diversity of authentic Emirati heritage.

Last year, Emirati companies offered many products such as Ghutra and Al-Aqal for men and women’s galabiyas, decorated with embroidery to reflect local character, and leather products.

The Falcon Auction this year seeks to highlight the leading scientific role of the UAE in the birds’ breeding, research, preservation, and encouraging the production of birds of high specifications in sufficient numbers and at reasonable prices for falconers.

The date of the auction and ADIHEX coincides with start of falcon hunting (Al Mignas) season on one hand and the launch of falcon hunting championships season on the other. Al Mansouri emphasised that the competitions aim to enhance efforts to preserve heritage and authentic traditions, protect the environment and sustainable hunting, and attract new generations to participate in supporting these endeavours.

They also encourage creative talents among young people from different countries, and reflects the efforts of Abu Dhabi and the UAE in promoting environmental sustainability, hunting and heritage sports.

ADIHEX includes 11 different sectors such as Arts and Crafts, Equestrian, Falconry, Hunting Tourism and Safari, Hunting and Camping Equipment, Hunting Guns, Preservation of Environment and Cultural Heritage, Outdoor Leisure Vehicles and Equipment, Veterinary Products and Services, Fishing Equipment and Marine Sports and Media.

Falcon and camel auctions, horse shows, archery, birds of prey, the most beautiful falcon contest, Saluki beauty contest, and live heritage shows, are among the more prominent activities of ADIHEX, the largest event of its kind in the Middle East and Africa. It won this position in 2021, with the large participation of specialised companies, representing 680 brands from 44 countries, on an area of 50,000 square metres, and was visited by more than 105,000 visitors from 120 nationalities, among whom were fans of falconry, hunting, equestrian and heritage sports, and enthusiasts of camping and safari trips.

ADIHEX has signed an agreement with all three of 2022 Game Fairs a— The Game Fair, the GWCT Scottish Game Fair and the new GWCT Welsh Game Fair.