From handicraft contest to falcon auction, ADIHEX celebrates culture

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

For the second year in a row, ADIHEX (Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, Sept. 2- 8) has announced the acceptance of submissions for the competition in the best sculptures in traditional handicrafts, as part of its efforts to contribute to the sustainability of heritage professions and traditional industries. It is part of the celebrations of the Year of Sustainability, highlighting the theme of ‘Sustainability and Heritage ... A Reborn Aspiration’ - which is also the banner of ADIHEX. The competition aims to showcase the diversity, richness, and beauty of the environment and heritage in the United Arab Emirates and seeks to enhance efforts to preserve Emirati heritage, ensure the transmission of its skills from generation to generation and stimulate innovation in heritage crafts. The competition will be a platform to encourage the exchange of knowledge and expertise among individuals and companies in the field of handicraft industries.

The conditions and criteria for participating and winning are as follows: the artwork must be produced in 2023 and displayed during the 20th edition of ADIHEX and natural materials in the handcrafts related to Emirati heritage must be used. Winners will be judged on perfection and consistency, craftsmanship and compliance with safety standards. The dimensions of the sculpture must be suitable for actual use. The artwork should be connected to ancient lifestyles or traditional professions, and contribute to the sustainability of handicraft industries, highlighting Emirati customs and environment.

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Products must also be offered to consumers at reasonable prices. Participation is open to both individuals and companies of all nationalities. In the previous edition, Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts, won the first place in the contest, while the second place went to Bayt Al Khanyar; the third place was awarded to Abu Dhabi Register for Artisans. “The Arts and Crafts sector represents a very important artistic platform for displaying the innovations of creative Emiratis, both individuals and institutions, and is considered an opportunity for communication among them and the public who love arts related to cultural heritage,” says ADIHEX. Among the other popular and attractive features at ADIHEX are the falcon and camel auctions.

 Weaving traditions at ADIHEX.

The exhibition presents equestrian live shows and horseback archery. In addition to live performances of salukis and police dogs, heritage and sports shows, educational activities, as well as creative, artistic, cultural, and scientific competitions have succeeded in attracting hundreds of competitors in the previous editions. Family activities, outdoor events for the younger generations, hiking, camping, fishing and adventures to explore, have fun, and attain new skills, are on the cards. This year – which is the 20th year of ADIHEX - several shows will be held at the Arena, most notably the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest and Camel Auction. Performances and activities will be held in collaboration with Emirates Heritage Club, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Dhabian Equestrian Club, Boudheib Academy, Abu Dhabi Police, Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, Kaber Stables, and Emirati equestrian Amna Al Jasmi. Equestrians from Japan will be participating as well. The Arena is located on the Yas Bay Waterfront district of Yas Island.

This edition of ADIHEX is witnessing a major international promotional and marketing campaign through its representative offices in a number of European and Asian countries, and through media agencies and social media platforms. The last edition hosted 127 speakers who participated through 134 specialised workshops distributed over four educational hubs: Sustainability; Adventure; Arts & Crafts and Connect with Nature. Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of ADIHEX and Secretary General of Emirates Falconers’ Club, said that “Abu Dhabi, one of the safest cities in the world, is once again hosting the largest event of its kind; bringing together the leading official organisations in preserving cultural heritage and natural resources as well as major companies, manufacturers, distributors, service providers, travel agencies and hunting professionals from all over the world.”Organised by the Emirates Falconers’ Club, ADIHEX will be held with the official sponsorship of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), where the event takes place. Sector partner is Caracal International LLC, and industry partners are the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey, the European Foundation for Falconry and Conservation, the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Dubai International Horse Fair, The Game Fair – France, and JAGD & HUND of Germany.

The official automotive partner is ARB Emirates, and the visitor experience partners are Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry & Desert Physiognomy School, and the Arabian Saluki Center in Abu Dhabi.

ADIHEX is the largest event of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, and also one of the leading hunting exhibitions globally. Its diverse sectors and visitor numbers play a major role in attracting tourists and visitors from the GCC region in particular. Since 2003, it has been visited by about two million visitors, and the last edition in 2022 witnessed a record turnout of more than 150,000 visitors from 125 nationalities. Its eleven industry sectors span across the 70,0000 square metres of exhibition space, offering the opportunity to more than 960 exhibitors and brands to showcase the latest technologies, innovations and trends in the fields of equestrian and falconry, hunting and camping gears, accessories and traditional and modern hunting equipment.