The 2010 edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) will add a new hall in response to the high demands from global brands to participate.

Adihex 2010 is set to take place from September 22 to 25 in Al Gharbia (the Western Region) of Abu Dhabi with support from Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and the Organisation of the Emirates Falconers Club.

The event, which will occupy nearly 40,000 sq m of space at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) is the largest edition of the event, in terms of space, since it was launched in 2003, a statement said.

Over 100,000 visitors across all age groups and nationalities are expected to visit the exhibition.

“The exhibition’s popularity and huge loyal customer base (both regional and international) is a testament to UAE’s commitment to cherishing longstanding traditions – making Adihex the ideal platform to showcase their latest equipment and gear,” said Abdullah Al Qubaisi, event director of Adihex and director of communications at Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (Adach).

“The steady growth of Adihex is reflected in the sales figures and the bulk of key players in the industry returning with bigger exhibition stands , have reported an increase in their sales exceeding 50 per cent at last year’s edition alone, according to an independent survey carried out by a consultancy services company,” he added.

“Over 75 per cent of exhibitors from the 2009 edition have rebooked for this year’s event emphasizing the great networking opportunity and unique commercial leads offered by Adihex, regionally and internationally,” Al Qubaisi continued.

Adihex 2010, which spans over eight halls of Adnec, will bring over 500 leading global brands from over 30 countries across hunting, safari, weaponry, falconry, equestrian and outdoor sporting categories.

These include Sweden-based VO Gun & Rifle Maker, the company that produces some of the world’s most exclusive handmade rifles for hunting and collection. VO Gun, which has been an exhibitor at Adihex since 2003, will showcase its limited edition of high end weaponry specifically designed for Adihex 2010.

Also present at Adihex 2010 will be SSE, the exclusive regional distributor for Polaris, the world’s largest manufacturer of all terrain vehicles, rangers, and specialized sporting equipment, which will be returning to Adihex for the fourth successive year.

Also returning for the third consecutive year will be The Falcon Centre, renowned falcon breeders, who have doubled their exhibition space from last year.

International weaponry distributor, MP3, another loyal exhibitor at Adihex, will occupy the largest exhibition space in the weaponry arena, while International Golden Group (IGG), a leading defence product and system supplier in the UAE, will be among key exhibitors returning at Adihex 2010.

“We have participated at every edition of Adihex since 2005, and have consistently expanded our presence at the high profile event, which because it is the only event of its kind catering for connoisseurs of hunting and weaponry,” said Khamis Hamarain the managing director of MP3 international.

“In keeping with the exquisite and unique profile of the show, this year we will be displaying 10 masterpieces, including LIWA, our latest innovation in hi-tech rifles category” he added.

This year, visitors will find Caracal International, Ruag and Merkel companies all in one pavilion with MP3 offering wide range weaponry for hunting enthusiasts.

“Adihex has and continues to be our preferred platform to showcase our latest products and services, both within the region and internationally,” said Jamal Nasser, Development Manager for Emirates Falcon Security, another major exhibitor that has consistently participated in Adihex.

“As a leading organization providing strategic consulting on creation and implementation of security and personal concepts, we find Adihex the ideal platform to demonstrate our knowledge and product suite to our clients.”

Additionally, the Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Racing Festival in association with Adach, International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities and Emirates Arabian Horse Society will stage the first-ever World Arabian Horse Racing Conference in Abu Dhabi from September 23-25,  alongside Adihex 2010.

The three-day event being organised in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, will bring together hundreds of experts, researchers and breeders involved with purebred Arabian horse racing from over 20 countries. – TradeArabia News Service