(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Japanese falconry, an Arabian horse auction, luxury camping, traditional Emirati children's games, falcon beauty shows and horse whispering are some of the attractions at this year's Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex).
Happening this October from 4-8 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Adihex has, for years, been the largest exhibition of its kind. And its popularity led the organisers, Emirates Falconers' Club (EFC), to extend the show from four to five days for the first time this year. In the over 40,000 square metres of the exhibition, more than 650 companies from 40 countries have set up stands, including 126 Emirati exhibitors and 72 new participants. "Since 2003, Adihex has drawn more than 1,200,000 visitors. And in view of the increasing turnout, and the rising demand from visitors and exhibitors, the period of the exhibition was extended to cover five days, this year. Accordingly, we expect the number of visitors to jump to more than 100,000," said Majed Ali Al Mansouri, executive director of EFC and chairman of the Higher Organising committee of Adihex. This year, sustainable hunting remains the focus of the exhibition; all major government entities, such as the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi or the International Fund for Houbara Conservation participating with their awareness campaigns for wildlife conservation. "Adihex has managed to stimulate the plans and strategies of sustainable hunting, highlight the key role of the UAE in protecting the environment, and intensify the different programmes for the breeding of Houbara bustards and falcons," stressed Al Mansouri. "The exhibition has succeeded in promoting the use of birds bred into captivity to practise falconry, as a substitute for endangered wild falcons," he also stressed. While falconry remains at the heart of Adihex, just as it was 14 years ago, when it started, Emirati culture and heritage, firearms and trading in outdoors products are also in the limelight at the show. There are separate areas dedicated to national and international firearms companies, where the latest hand-engraved rifles are expected to steal the show. New this year is the Knowledge Zone, where Emirati children's games and other local customs and traditions are promoted, along with presentations from different participating companies, such as off-road solutions by Ibrahim Al Hammadi Trading Co, traditional archery by Archery Solutions or camping in luxury tents by Selbar General Trading. The saluki beauty competition is back again, but only for UAE saluki owners, and so is the competition for best falcons bred in captivity. Adihex will be open daily from 11am till 10pm. Highlights of Adihex-2016 Falconry > Firearms and trading in outdoors products; latest hand-engraved rifles expected to steal the show > Workshops for students on history and caring of Arabian horses > Knowledge Zone promoting Emirati children's games and other local customs, traditions > Public gatherings to introduce visitors to Emirati traditional crafts, popular dishes and hospitality norms > Saluki beauty competition, only for UAE saluki owners > Competition for best falcons bred in captivity. > Bird shows by Al Ain Zoo > Dhabian Equestrian Club with natural horsemanship demonstrations > Dog skill show from K9, the General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police. > Japanese traditions of falconry > Display of Samurai swords > Paintball, shooting simulators and an art gallery Horse auction Camel auction has been replaced with a horse auction this year, and the top two bidders will be rewarded with two Arabian horses.
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