100,000 expected as Abu Dhabi hunting show opens its doors

Stalls receive finishing touches for the opening of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition today. Ravindranath K / The National

ABU DHABI // More than 100,000 people are expected to visit the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition after it throws open its doors today.

Adihex, which promotes the heritage of the UAE, will run at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre until September 7.

"We are keen to host events that demonstrate our rich Emirati heritage to regional and international audiences," said Humaid Al Dhaheri, chief commercial officer at Adnec.

"Adihex offers visitors a unique experience with its exciting competitions and activities and we are delighted to host the event at Adnec.

"We expect the unique exhibition to attract more than 100,000 visitors this year, validating the sophisticated infrastructure, advanced facilities and high-level services that we offer for the management of successful events."

The exhibition, in its 11th edition, will focus on traditional Emirati sport, culture and locally made handicraft.

It will feature displays of traditional hunting and shows of Emirati horsemanship and is expected to attract about 600 companies from 40 countries.

Visitors can view exhibitions of UAE paintings and photography and attend sessions of nabati poetry, which originates from the Arabian Gulf.

Adihex will also include camel and horse auctions.

Beauty contests for Arabian salukis and falcons, and an Arabic coffee-brewing competition will give away prizes worth more than Dh500,000.

The saluki contest, a popular feature of Adihex, invites owners of the dogs to enter their pets in two categories - hoss (smooth) or reesh (feathered) - to win cash prizes, plaques and certificates.

The contest is judged by an international panel of qualified dog trainers and experts.

The coffee-brewing competition requires contestants to roast, grind and brew coffee beans, while the falcon beauty contest, to be overseen by the Emirates Falconers' Club, accepts entries in gyr-horr (Peregrine), gyr shahin and male gyr.

Adihex is organised by Emirates Falconers' Club under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, in cooperation with the emirate's Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.