ADNEC Gears up to Host 11th ADIHEX and Promote Emirati Heritage

More than 600 companies from 40 countries expected to participate

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 29 August, 2013 – Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) is set to host the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), the only consumer and trade event in the region dedicated to showcasing traditional Emirati sports, culture and locally-made handicrafts.

The 11th edition of ADIHEX, organised by Emirates Falconer‘s Club, will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region (Al Gharbia) and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers' Club, with the support of the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee - Abu Dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority.

Running from 4 - 7 September 2013, ADIHEX will feature displays of traditional hunting excursions and equestrian shows demonstrating Emirati horsemanship. Camel and horse auctions will also be staged. Visitors can view exhibitions of Emirati paintings and photography, and experience first-hand sessions of Nabati poetry. In addition, exciting contests such as the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, the Arabic Brewing Competition and the Falcon Beauty Contest will give away attractive prizes worth over AED 500,000.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Chief Commercial Officer at ADNEC, said: “We are keen to host events that demonstrate our rich Emirati heritage to regional and international audiences. ADIHEX offers visitors a unique experience with its exciting competitions and activities and we are delighted to host the event at ADNEC. We expect the unique exhibition to attract more than 100,000 visitors this year, validating the sophisticated infrastructure, advanced facilities and high-level services that we offer for the management of successful events.”

Al Dhaheri added: “ADNEC's dedicated team coordinates directly with organisers to ensure the success of events of this magnitude. Our centre's flexibility and advanced infrastructure is ideal for meeting the logistical requirements of event organisers from varied sectors.”

Despite the increase in total exhibition space to accommodate the growing demand, this year's show has been fully booked with 50 companies set to mark a first time participation at the event. ADIHEX is eventually expected to draw more than 600 companies from 40 countries. 

Abdulla Al Qubaisi, Exhibition Director at ADIHEX, said: “Within a short time frame, ADIHEX has gained popularity and widespread interest with its unique multi-fold activities and competitions that portray traditional Emirati values for local and international communities. We are indeed overwhelmed by the interest drawn by this exhibition and looked forward to hosting yet another successful edition. ” 

The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, a popular feature of ADIHEX, invites owners of Arabian Saluki dogs to enter their pets in two categories - Hoss (smooth) and Reesh (feathered) - to win cash prizes, plaques and certificates. The contest is annually judged by an international panel of qualified dog trainers and experts.

The Arabic Coffee Brewing Competition that requires contestants to roast, grind and brew coffee beans also draws participants and spectators in huge numbers.

The Falcon Beauty Contest, to be overseen by the Emirates Falconers' Club, is another show stopper and accepts entries in the categories of Gyr-Horr (Peregrine), Gyr Shahin and Male Gyr.