DIHSEC showcases latest innovation in heritage sports

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Domus Group, an international leading exhibition specialist, has opened on Thursday, the 2020 edition of Dubai International Heritage Sports Exhibition and Conference (DIHSEC) in cooperation with Dubai Sports Council (DSC) at the Hamdan Sports Complex.

Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of DSC, led the opening ceremony of this one-of-a-kind event specialized event for the UAE and the Middle East designed to help preserve culture and tradition as well as showcase the latest technologies and equipment used in heritage sports.

Top-drawer buyers and visitors from the Arabian Gulf, the Middle East and the rest of the world have come to Dubai to witness the developments in the exciting world of Emirati heritage sports and culture and explore key opportunities for collaboration.

A host of leading equipment providers and industry players who are instrumental in the growth of the heritage sports market and practice in the GCC region are presenting their unique offerings during the show.

Hareb said: “DIHSEC has once again brought together people from all over the world who have a common love for traditional games. We are proud to host this exciting platform which enables like-minded people to bond and share their passion for and deep appreciation of the UAE’s cultural and historical legacy. This is also an opportunity to engage the younger generation and help them to practice and preserve the Emirati sporting tradition.”

Abdulla Abulhoul, Chief Executive Officer of Domus Group, said: “The UAE’s traditional sporting is a big part of its national identity and has been passed down from generation to generation. Most of the sports are closely related to the desert sands and the environment of the Emirates, where falcons, camels, and horses dominate the scene.

“The event offers a great opportunity to showcase the country’s exciting sporting traditions while offering a platform for stakeholders to connect and network as well as learn about the best practices and the latest technology updates in this growing field.”

The conference segment of DIHSEC also highlighted the best practices, latest technologies and innovations and ways to integrate modern methods and equipment while preserving the long-standing heritage identity of every sport. During the panel discussions, high-profile speakers talked about the latest developments in heritage sports and the newest efforts to sustain interest in and promote the practice of these sporting activities.

The conference also discussed the security and safety being observed in traditional dhow races, the discovery and training of new local talents and the ongoing efforts to cement the UAE’s global status in freediving; ‘Increasing the Access and Participation in Heritage Sports of People of Determination and ‘UAE’s rich free-diving history: From pearl fishing to a popular sporting activity.

Other topics which will be explored in the next coming days include ‘Modern Falconry and Racing with Robotic Prey;’ ‘The development of Embryo Transfer in Racing Camels;’ the ‘Use of New Technologies in Traditional Camel Racing;’ ‘UAE Women in Shooting (Challenges, Training, & Safety);’ ‘Harnessing the Horsepower - how horses can help humans lead through uncertain times;’ ‘Rules & Regulations: Update in Owning Hunting Weapons in the UAE;’ and ‘Veterinary viewpoints, solutions, and best practices: Feeding management, hygiene, and equine health.’