The UAE's love for falcons is no secret. Bedouin in the country and the wider Arabian Peninsula have practised falconry for about 4,000 years, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. It started as a form of hunting, but today it is an honoured traditional sport.
This photo shows Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, at the opening of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition on September 13, 2004.
Adihex, as it is known, was then only in its second year. It was established a year earlier to preserve an important part of the country's heritage.
In 2004, about 200 exhibitors from 21 countries took part in the event. This year's event was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in late August with 650 local and international companies taking part.
Look through the photo gallery below to see more from this year's event:
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A young man looks at guns at the MP3 stand during Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National -
Visitors peruse hunting and camping equipment during Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National -
Visitors of Adihex check out some of the artwork on display at the exhibition. Pawan Singh / The National -
Members of the Abu Dhabi Police band perform during Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National -
Falcon hoods on display at one of the stands. Pawan Singh / The National -
Members of the Abu Dhabi Police's mounted force at Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National -
Members of the K9 division for Abu Dhabi Police take part in Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National -
Visitor look at guns on sale at the Bynuna stand. Pawan Singh / The National -
Visitors shop for guns at one of the stands at Adihex. The exhibition is the only place where licensed gun owners can buy weapons. Pawan Singh / The National -
Visitor look at guns at the Bynuna stand during Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National -
Houbara birds at the International Fund For Houbara Conservation stand. Pawan Singh / The National -
A visitor checks out a falcon at the Falcon Centre's stall at Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National -
One of the falcons at the Falcon Centre in Adhiex. Pawan Singh / The National -
Visitors look at the falcons at Adihex. Pawan Singh / The National
