Parrots that paint and falcon fun wows the crowds at Adihex

Annual event mixes hunting and sporting traditions with heritage and entertainment

Visitors taking photos of the eagles during the eagle show by Al Ain zoo during the ADIHEX 2019 held at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi. ( Pawan Singh / The National )

A series of pop-up galleries display patriotic portraits of UAE rulers and dozens of intricate equine paintings.

But the artists showing off their work are not the ones currently attracting the attention of visitors to Adihex 2019 – the annual hunting, equestrian and heritage conference in Abu Dhabi.

Metres away, a parrot from Al Ain zoo clasps a paintbrush in its beak and goes to work at an easel. A colourful creation is produced within minutes and handed to a delighted child in the audience.

Later, birds of prey swoop over spectators seated in a temporary stand, as zoo staff give an insight into the UAE’s proud history of falconry.

Giulia Chambers, who is originally from South Africa but has been living in the Emirates for almost four years, brought her daughter Giovanna, 7, to the show. A keen rider, Giovanna had come to see some horses and to get a new helmet, but said she had most enjoyed the falcons and eagles.

“It’s very special to be able to see a part of Emirati culture,” said Ms Chambers, 37, who was attending Adihex for the first time. “It’s really nice to come and learn about the hunting, falconry and crafts. As an expat, it makes you feel part of it.”

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

Elsewhere, everything from ornamental knives, drones and furniture adorned with antlers were on sale. Guests could try their hand at archery or play on a bird-shooting simulator. And past airport-style security, hundreds of guns - from pistols to sniper rifles and military-style semi-automatics - were on display in their own section.

A vintage Abu Dhabi Police Porsche – used as part of a motorcade for Queen Elizabeth II's historic visit to the UAE in 1979 – is also there to see.

At a makeshift arena, the parrots and eagles make way for an archery display, pony rides and a demonstration of gymkhana, a traditional equestrian event.

Other shows over the five-day event at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre include police dog displays, a polo show and a camel auction.

Last year’s event drew more than 100,000 people from more than 120 countries, organisers said.

Hamad Al Ketbi, a falcon breeder from Dubai, has been attending Adihex since the first event in 2003. He was displaying 40 birds at his stand to promote his business, the Falcon Centre, and said the event had changed hugely over the years.

"Every year I am here, it is a very good place, I have a lot of customers here from all over the world," said Mr Al Ketbi, who breeds about 600 falcons a year at a centre in Germany and two in Spain before sending them to the Emirates.

"People from all over the world are here, because we have everything, from falcons to hunting, everything. If anyone needs to buy something, there is no need to go to many places, it is all here.

"Everybody – adults, children, they have been enjoying seeing our falcons. Over the last three or four years, Adihex has changed a lot. More companies have come. Every year, it has become bigger, and at the weekend, we expect it to be busier, with more tourists."