The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) began on Saturday at the Adnec Centre Abu Dhabi with an exciting and action-packed day that drew thousands of visitors to witness the latest hunting and equestrian exhibits and cultural heritage features.

 

Take placing under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the exhibition is being organised Adnec Group and Emirates Falconers’ Club as a strategic partner. 

 

With 65 participating countries from around the world, Adihex is cementing its legacy and Abu Dhabi’s global position as centre of hunting and equestrian sports and an innovative sustainability leader.

 

Adihex shows offered unforgettable exhibits and experiences that entertained visitors of all ages. Featuring a line-up of extraordinary performances, a range of displays celebrated many aspects of the skill, history, heritage that characterises the longstanding bond that humankind has had with animals through the ages. 

 

As a centrepiece of the exhibition, the first Falcon Auction was held in the evening of day one with a global profile of top international breeders displaying the highest quality falcons for thousands of enthusiasts worldwide. For the first time, the auction was held online to enable an expanded audience of international bidders to be present along with the audience at the sumptuous Adihex Main Arena. The second day of the auction will take place today (Sunday), with two further sessions on September 6 and 7.

 

In the Main Arena, a packed audience was delighted by the International All Breeds Dog Championship, a prestigious canine event that brings together dog enthusiasts, breeders, and competitors from around the world to showcase a wide variety of dog breeds. The show featured dogs from a wide range of categories highlighting their conformation, agility, obedience, and overall excellence. The event serves as a platform for celebrating the diversity, beauty, and talents of dogs, while promoting responsible breeding, training, and dog ownership. 

 

Also in the Arena, the Liberty Equestrian Display for horses provided a captivating equestrian event in which horses were presented without any tack or restraint, such as saddles, bridles, or halters. This format allows the horses to move freely and naturally with innate grace, athleticism, and spirit. As another highly popular display, this Liberty show received a rapturous response from visitors appreciative of the skilful demonstration of the bond between horse and handler, as well as for highlighting the natural beauty and abilities of the horses. 

 

Throughout the nine days of this year’s Adihex, a variety of equestrian activities and displays will continue, making the Arena a standout attraction for visitors.

 

Adults and children were also delighted by the Al Ain Zoo Pop-up Bird Show, which delivered an entertaining and educational event featuring parrots, known for their intelligence, colourful plumage, and vocal abilities, performing various tricks and displaying their fascinating behaviour.

 

Courtesy of Al Ain Zoo once more, the Falconry Workshop provided an absorbing interactive and educational activity that gave visitors the chance to learn all about the fascinating world of Falconry. A host of participants join this workshop for an up-close look at impressive birds of prey while also learning about Falconers' specialized tools.

 

Highlights of the Daily Family Show included the much-anticipated Abu Dhabi Police Showcase with the Abu Dhabi Police Musical Band. Under the auspices of the General Command, Abu Dhabi Police, the K9 Dogs show presented a rapt audience with a fascinating crime scene reenactment that demonstrated the seamless collaboration between the Equine Team and K9 Unit.  

 

The Awareness of Animal Welfare and Sustainability and Dhabian Equestrian Club Stand showcased equestrian-themed arts and crafts for a fascinated audience of children, with demonstrations of paintings of Arabian horses found in the UAE in the UAE, making horse dream catchers, horse-shaped key chains and bracelet, face painting and horse grooming.

 

The Adihex Knowledge Hub hosted a dynamic series of sessions including Emirati Etiquette Storytelling, a UAE Falcon Federation discussion on falconry, an Abu Dhabi Police-led panel discussion on weaponry permits, an insightful talk by the Abu Dhabi Falconers Club on the “Fundamentals of Falcon Racing and Luring”, and a fascinating presentation by Fatima Almazroui on “Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Falconry in the Writings of Foreign Travelers”.

 

Shooting competitions also got underway as Battle Park and Tasleeh Stand to test shooting skills with winners receiving medals and prizes at events that will be run throughout Adihex. The ‘Shooting Competition’ at the Battle Park Stand offered an adrenaline-pumping event where participants tested their accuracy and speed in a controlled environment. This competition is perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the precision of marksmanship. -TradeArabia News Service