1.686011-3936460651
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) opened on Tuesday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, where 589 exhibitors from 39 countries are participating in the four-day event, which ends on Saturday. Image Credit: Abdel-Krim Kallouche/Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Visitors have already begun flocking to the eighth annual Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).

They are spoilt for choice with over 30,000 square feet of stands to choose from.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers' Club (EFC), inaugurated the exhibition yesterday.

"This is the first time I've come to the exhibition. I had read about it and when I saw they were providing space for marine hunting, I had to come.

Latest equipment

"I used to enjoy deep sea fishing with my friends when I lived in Florida before I moved here a few years ago. I tried to find somewhere to fish here but there aren't many options so I stopped, but I still like to see what the latest equipment and techniques are," said Frank Stevenson, a sales manager from the US.

He attended the exhibition with his wife, Laura, and their two children, Sandra, 5, and Alex, 2. The four-day event is held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan, and organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (Adach).

"My friends and I visited the exhibition last year and really enjoyed the cultural activities that they had, such as the Arabic coffee making competition. I came by myself today because I had a meeting in Adnec and just wanted a quick look at what was being offered ... I'm definitely coming back at the weekend with some friends to take a closer look," said Leonora Macapagal, a public relations officer from the Philippines.

In addition to the exhibition and cultural activities, this year's event will also see the Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival held alongside Adihex, as well as the debut of the first World Arabian Horse Racing Conference.

Information

What: Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex)

When: Wednesday, September 22 - Saturday, September 25

Where: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec)

Timings: 11am - 10pm

Tickets: Dh10, free entrance for children under 12

Website: http://www.adihex.net