ADNEC gears up to host 11th ADIHEX and Promote Emirati Heritage

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 regiondedicated toshowcasingtraditional Emirati sports, culture and locally-made handicrafts.

The 11th edition of ADIHEX, organised by Emirates Falconer‘s Club,will beheld 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 willfeature 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 andphotography, and experience first-hand sessions ofNabati poetry. In addition, exciting contestssuch as the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, the Arabic Brewing Competition and the Falcon Beauty Contest will give away attractive prizes worthover AED500,000.

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 aunique experience with its exciting competitions and activitiesand we are delighted to host the event at ADNEC. We expect the unique exhibition to attract more than 100,000 visitors this year, validatingthesophisticated infrastructure, advanced facilities and high-level services that we offer for the management of successful events.”

Al Dhaheri added: “ADNEC’s dedicated teamcoordinates directly with organisers to ensure the success of events of this magnitude. Our centre’s flexibility and advancedinfrastructureis 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 traditionalEmirativalues forlocal and international communities.We are indeed overwhelmed by the interest drawn by this exhibition and looked forward to hosting yet another successful edition.” 

TheArabian Saluki Beauty Contest,a popular feature of ADIHEX, invitesowners 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 byan internationalpanel of qualified dog trainers and experts.

The Arabic Coffee BrewingCompetition 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), GyrShahin and Male Gyr.