ABU DHABI // It’s back – the show that offers everything from falcons for hunters to kittens for kids, and crowd-pleasing performances all day.
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition has all its old favourites, such as houbaras, salukis and adorable stray cats and dogs ready to be adopted. The high-tech and traditional hunting weaponry, camping gear and land and sea vehicles the show has built its reputation on continue to draw large crowds.
What’s new? Conquerer Arabia, for a start. A slick video of the Australian version of the military-grade off-road luxury camper has already gone viral on the internet, and it’s making its Abu Dhabi debut at Adihex. It costs Dh190,000, but judging by the number of men poking around it, that isn’t scaring anyone.
“This camper can go where no other camper can go,” said Mohammed Ibrahim, co-owner of the Dubai company that distributes the vehicle.
“Your typical campers, they can go with you places, but they won’t go with you where the 4x4 will go,” Mr Ibrahim said.
“This is designed to go right there. Obviously with all the extra amenities, meaning full complete storage: it’s got a complete mini-bedroom inside that can sleep up to four, it comes with a fridge and a freezer that operates on a 12-volt battery, a sink, gas stove, complete amenities of a kitchen, plates, glasses, cups.
“On the other side, you’ve got a full bathroom functional area, with a shower, inside you’ve got air conditioner and a heater. Some people want to do it with a little bit of luxury. You can be completely self-sufficient with this.”
Not far from Conquer Arabia was one unique artist whose work had nothing to do with the hunting, camping or even equestrian culture. Yet crowds of people young and old stood in awe watching him quietly sculpt artful pieces of sugar candy using small scalpel-like knives to achieve great precision in his animal shapes.
Takahiro Mizuki, 42, practises ame zaiku, the Japanese art of sugar candy sculpture. In Japan, the most popular shape is Pikkachu, of Pokemon fame. But here, visitors were asking him to carve them falcons and dolphins. It takes Mr Mizuki about five minutes to turn a spoonful of sugar candy into a delicate dolphin or dragon. The sweets are free to visitors at the Inpex Group booth.
“It’s very good,” said 14-year-old Emirati Issa Al Mheiri of his lollipop dolphin.
Adihex is at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre until Saturday, open 11am-10pm.
rpennington@thenational.ae
