Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition launches specialised heritage, art competitions

 Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition launches specialised heritage, art competitions

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) announced the opening of admissions for participating in its specialised heritage, artistic and cultural competitions.

These competitions include 25 categories and sections and registration is available until 31st August, 2022. Forty-three prizes have been allocated for the competitions.

The upcoming 19th edition of ADIHEX will be organised by Emirates Falconers’ Club from the 26th September to 2nd October, 2022, and sponsored by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, International Fund for Houbara Conservation and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre where the event is being held. The sponsor of the “Hunting Guns” sector is Caracal International LLC, the visitor experience partner is POLARIS – Specialised Sports Equipment, and the features sponsors are Smart Design and the Royal Tent Company. The official Automotive partner is ARB Emirates, while the supportive partner is the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“Sustainability & Heritage.. A Reborn Aspiration” has been chosen as the theme for the edition, reflecting the efforts of Abu Dhabi and the world to enhance the sustainability of the environment, hunting, heritage sports and related businesses. It also highlights the comprehensive strategy that is formulated to develop the event and allow the hosting of more activities and features, based on the successes of past editions in a reborn aspiration.

The participating conditions and criteria of the competitions will be announced during the coming period, through the ADIHEX electronic platforms and social media. These include the competition for the best invention in the field of falconry and hunting, the best vehicle dedicated to hunting trips, the most beautiful captive-bred falcons, and the best display platform/stand in each of the 11 sectors of the exhibition, in addition to the beauty contest of the Arabian Saluki Dog (Hoss (smooth)/Aryash (feathery) – males/females).

The competitions also include the contest of the most beautiful photograph that reflects the theme “Sustainability & Heritage.. A Reborn Aspiration ” and the contest of the best video clip of ADIHEX2022.

In addition, ADIHEX also launched the most beautiful/best falcon hood (burqaa) competition, and the best models of heritage artefacts in the arts and crafts section, which contribute to highlighting the aesthetics of the UAE’s ancient heritage and enhance awareness-raising efforts on the importance of preserving crafts and the sustainability of traditional industries.

To promote awareness about the pillars of cultural heritage, the public will be introduced to many heritage activities, including popular games for children, live heritage workshops (Al-Sadu, Al-Tali, Al-Khous, pottery, and glass), and displaying models of old traditional Emirati houses such as Bait Al Bahar (house of the sea), Bait Al Shaar (house of hair) and the traditional artefacts (made of palm fronds). This is in addition to organising a range of interesting features in the arena.

Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee of the exhibition and Secretary-General of the Emirates Falconers Club, emphasised that these distinctive competitions aim to enhance efforts to preserve the heritage and authentic traditions, protect the environment and sustainable hunting. They attract new generations to participate in supporting these endeavours and encourage creative talents among young people from different countries.

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition includes 11 different sectors: Arts and Crafts, Equestrian, Falconry, Hunting Tourism and Safari, Hunting and Camping Equipment, Hunting Guns, Preservation of Environment and Cultural Heritage, Outdoor Leisure Vehicles and Equipment, Veterinary Products and Services, Fishing Equipment and Marine Sports, and Media.

Falcon and camel auctions, horse shows, archery, birds of prey, the most beautiful falcon contest, saluki beauty contest, and live heritage shows are one of the most prominent activities of the event established in 2021. There was wide participation of specialised companies representing 680 brands from 44 countries, on an area of 50,000 square metres. More than 105,000 visitors from 120 nationalities attended the event that year.

WAM