Adihex 2024: Festival to celebrate UAE heritage, culture and conservation begins

From falcon beauty contests to camel auctions, don't miss your chance to attend the cultural extravaganza

A falcon auction is held at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2024 at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National

The nine-day event started on Saturday and offers an array of events showcasing falconry, hunting, equestrian sports, fishing, environmental preservation and culture.

Thousands are expected to attend the event to see camel and falcon auctions, as well as explore desert life.

A falcon auction is held at the event.

The expo runs from August 31 to September 8, drawing crowds from across the Gulf states and beyond.

Taking notes at Adihex on Day 1 of the expo

Hamdan, who is 5, looks at a zmeel, a leather container used for storing milk

Khanyar, a traditional Emirati dagger, on display at Adihex

The Emirates Falconers Club demonstrates hospitality with coffee and lessons in falconry, a great Emirati tradition

Falcons on display and likely to become the centre of attention as the Adihex crowds increase

Colourful falcon hoods on display at Adihex

A visitor brings Saluki hunting dogs at Adihex

A line of handguns on display at Adihex

Ayala, a symbol of union and Emirati nationhood, is performed for visitors on Day 1 at Adihex

All roads lead to Abu Dhabi this weekend for the annual celebration of the UAE’s rich cultural heritage.

Thousands are expected to attend the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition to see camel and falcon auctions, as well as explore desert life.

The nine-day event started on Saturday at Abu Dhabi’s National Exhibition Centre and offers an array of events showcasing falconry, hunting, equestrian sports, fishing, environmental preservation and culture.

First-time participant at Adihex, Mohsen Al Hassawi, 24, said he hopes to continue exhibiting at the event and eventually sell his wares abroad.

Specialising in taxidermied falcons and jewellery made from claws and feathers, the mechanical engineer is enjoying his first foray into the world of exhibitions.

"It's all real falcons. We use specialised chemicals to preserve them. They can last for 10 years or even longer.

"This is my first experience here and so far it's been going great. This is only the beginning, my ultimate goal is expanding to outside of the UAE"

Alyazia Khaled Abdulla from Awpod Handicrafts is exhibiting at this year's event. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Also showcasing talent this year is Alyazya Al Gesaniya, 24, who makes and sells incense holders with her mom Aneesa Al Gesaniya, 67.

"This is the fourth time we participated, I make Mdaken (a traditional incense holder)," said Alyazya.

"This is very exciting for me, I love making them and love giving them to people even more."

Her mother explained the pair had been making the trinkets for around four years.

"We've been doing this ever since the days of Covid. No one could go anywhere, so we took the chance and she attended workshops to learn how to make Mdaken," said Aneesa.

"They took workshops at Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination. I got her a licence, it started small but ever since it has grown.

"I always participated in exhibitions to encourage my daughter to show herself to people and always be at the front.

"I don't want her to be like some kids whose parents keep at home. Ever since she was 3 or 4 I take her with me to encourage her."

The mother-and-daughter duo have so far also participated in Global Village maket places, as well as Al Hosn festival, and the maritime festival.

Visitors also shared their enthusiasm for attending on Saturday, with many giving a variety of reasons for going.

Saeed Almazroui, 35, from Liwa Oasis in Abu Dhabi said he enjoys the event every year. He has had a keen interest in desert life since he was a child.

"Every since I was 4, my father used to take me hunting with him. I come here every year for the falcons and weapons,” said the government worker.

“This exhibition is really important to me, all my hobbies are in one place here, like falconry, hunting and horse riding.”

The exhibition is also an important glimpse into Emirati traditions, which many visitors and residents take advantage of to learn more about their host country.

"I like to come to events like this because it allows me to connect with UAE culture and in that way I can connect with my students about their interests outside of school," said Garth Wyncoll, 58, a secondary principal at Gems American Academy in Abu Dhabi from Britain.

"They like to fish and enjoy falconry and I like to talk to them about that. It gives us a window into UAE culture and the history of the people here, so it's very interesting for us," Mr Wynocc said.

The 21st Adihex will feature thousands of brands across 11 diverse sectors, state news agency Wam reported.

A falcon beauty contest, Arabian Saluki beauty contest and the most beautiful falcon hood and perch will feature. Auctions of camels and top falcon breeds are also among the highlights of Adihex.

In 2023, a prized falcon fetched Dh600,000 ($163,380) at an auction held on the final day of the festival.

The year before, one bidder spent Dh1.01 million for a Pure Gyr American ultra-white falcon.

A dog agility contest and the individual and all-breed international dog show are also on the agenda.

The staging of Adihex has traditionally meant that summer is on the wane and the camping season is near.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore a variety of exhibitions, workshops and listen to talks.

The "gymkhana for People of Determination" will provide a platform for people with special needs to showcase their skills in a supportive environment.

Adihex runs from August 31 to September 8 under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club.

20 years of Adihex: in pictures

The horse and camel 'whisperer', Ali Al Ameri, demonstrates his skills on the opening day of Adihex 2013 at Adnec. Ravindranath K / The National

Al Ameri, an Emirati Bedouin, told The National in 2013: 'Horses are very forgiving animals, even when people are bad to them. Camels, however, are not.' Ravindranath K / The National

Visitors take pictures of falcons during the 2012 exhibition. Antonie Robertson / The National

Saif Obaid Al Khabi and Moahmmed Al Khabi make traditional Arabic coffee. Antonie Robertson / The National

Exhibitors and members of Abu Dhabi cultural foundation watch a traditional dancing show. Antonie Robertson / The National

Japanese sweet maker Takahiro Mizuki creates traditional candy animal sculptures, in 2015. Delores Johnson / The National

Injaz, the oldest dog in the show, gets a collar put around her at the final day of the Saluki Beauty Contest in 2009. Delores Johnson / The National

Bidders raise their paddles during the camel auction in 2009. Delores Johnson / The National

Adihex celebrates the UAE's culture, heritage and traditions, such as falconry. Mona Al-Marzooqi / The National

Adihex is one of the highlights of Abu Dhabi's cultural calendar. Photo: Adihex

The saluki beauty competition is divided into four categories for al hoss [smooth and short haired] and aryash [feathery and long haired] dogs, both male and female. Photo: Adihex

Zeheaban, a four-year-old male saluki, was the male winner of 2014's Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

Winners are judged based on the shape of their head, the structure of their muscles, the grace of their movements and the sheen of their coat. Mona Al-Marzooqi/ The National

Whether it's auctions, beauty competitions or hunting shows, animals have always been central to Adihex.

Participants prepare their birds for the Most Beautiful Captive-Bred Falcons contest. WAM