Abu Dhabi: More than 650 exhibitors spanning over 40,000 square metres welcomed visitors to the 14th edition of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) on Tuesday.
Outdoor enthusiasts excitedly roamed around the Adihex grounds, which seem to have once more put on an endless number of cultural activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you like horses, Salukis, hunting, arts, outdoor sports, falconry or safaris, there is something at the exhibition for everyone.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) stand was among one of the most popular among children and adults. A number of workshops set up for children allows schoolchildren to learn about Emirati culture and heritage through creating their own falcon masks, painting desert animals, and even learn how to draw a falcon. While on the other side of the tent, adults could be seen learning how to make traditional Arabic coffee and watch Emirati handicrafts being made by artisans.
“We try and teach children and students about the Emirati heritage and culture using practical activities, this is a much more effective way of learning and it is fun for them,” Saeed Al Kaabi, TCA Abu Dhabi’s head of Traditional Handicrafts and Products, told Gulf News.
“We started participating in this exhibition back in 2006 and it was very simple and small back then. But now we see around 100,000 people visit the exhibition over the exhibition’s duration. It has become something very unique and special,” added Al Kaabi.
Another long-standing exhibitor, Hassan Al Qahtani, owner of Al Dhafra Falcons, whose stand has several falcons and equipment related to falconry, said one of the best parts of the exhibition for him is the opportunity to meet with children and teach them about falcons.
“This is a really good learning experience for children and they love seeing and handling the falcons,” said Al Qahtani.
“Falconry is such an important part of Emirati heritage and here they have the opportunity to learn all there is to know about them,” said Al Qahtani.
The Abu Dhabi Environment Agency’s innovative and colourful stand drew in crowds who were introduced to the protected areas in the UAE that contain animals such as flamingos, which can be visited. Visitors also got to meet representatives from the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital who had brought along some of the animals that are available for adoption.
Hunting fans interested in the latest rifles were not disappointed as the Hunting Guns area of the event showcased an impressive array of weapons for people to see and learn about.
The exhibition will be running until October 8, from 11am until 10pm.
