ADIHEX 2021 Provides visitors a chance to engage in archery activities with bow and arrows.

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ADIHEX 2021 Provides visitors a chance to engage in archery activities with bow and arrows.

Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) provides tens of thousands of visitors a unique, live simulation experience for amateur archers. The simulation takes place in an ideal and safe environment, suitable for beginner and intermediate levels in this stimulating sport; a truly unique, interactive activity to explore personal capabilities and to challenge friends and other visitors.

ADIHEX also hosts workshops and educational presenting demonstrations on archery in co-operation with some of the exhibitors, as part of the efforts undertaken to bring in awareness of this exciting sport, for which many dedicated clubs have been established today in numerous countries around the world.

Hosted by the Emirates Falconers Club under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club, the 18th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2021) will be held from September 27 to October 3, 2021, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

ADIHEX 2021 Provides visitors a chance to engage in archery activities with bow and arrows.

His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers Club and the Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, stated that the new edition (ADIHEX 2021) will be the biggest in the history of the exhibition in terms of the number of participants, exhibition space, duration, and the number of associated activities, which is witnessed by the unprecedented logistics preparation and massive marketing campaign.

The duration of the exhibition will be extended to 7 days for the first time in its history in response to high demand from both visitors and exhibitors, and to promote the high standing of Abu Dhabi on the international exhibition map and the effort to innovate more activities and events to accommodate the increasing public turnout and appeal children, adults and families who look forward to discovering new activities every year.

Al Mansouri added that the new edition features numerous and diverse events, combining the magic of ancient heritage with the latest technological solutions in the world of hunting and equestrian, environmental protection and edutainment, all under one roof. This confirms the importance of this world-class event launched from Abu Dhabi for all interested parties of all nationalities.

Al Mansouri highlighted that the safety of visitors and exhibitors takes top priority at the event. In order, to adhere to the best safety practices, the Higher Committee has issued a guideline for buying and selling hunting weapons at ADIHEX, which includes buying and selling of bows, arrows, and hunting knives, which are not allowed to be sold to minors. A legal guardian must accompany buyers between 18-20 years old, and the delivery of purchased items must take place upon departure, outside the halls.

ADIHEX 2021 presents numerous heritage, environmental and cultural activities and competitions which were popular with both visitors and exhibitors during previous editions. There will be also new activities that reflect the positive leaps achieved by the exhibition on all levels, in addition to some interesting surprises for visitors, which will be revealed before the opening.

The richness and comprehensiveness of ADIHEX are evident in its 11 diverse sectors: Arts and Crafts, Equestrian, Falconry, Hunting Tourism and Safari, Hunting and Camping Equipment, Hunting Guns, Promotion and Preservation of Environment and Cultural Heritage, Outdoor Leisure Vehicles and Equipment, Veterinary Products and Services, Fishing Equipment and Marine Sports, and Media.

The history of archery

The origin of archery goes back to prehistoric times (around 20,000 B.C.) which caused a fundamental change in the primitive hunting methods used to obtain food. It went through many developments and changes in terms of practice and became a primary combat method in warfare and gained much interest as a sport. Very recently, archery became an Olympic sport and many international championships have been organized for it.

Ancient artifacts reveal that archery was practiced in different parts of the world. They also indicate that the first people to use bows and arrows were the ancient Egyptians, the Hittites, and their Assyrian neighbors in Iraq, thousands of years ago.

The longbow was the primary weapon used by the English army in the Hundred Years' War in 1337. Thanks to it, the English archers achieved great victories in their wars with the French. The Royal Toxophilite Society was established in Britain in 1781, whereas the USA Archery Federation was established in 1879 and the World Archery Federation was founded in 1931. Established in 1992, the journey of the UAE Shooting and Archery Federation is filled with achievements, represented in numerous victories on the regional, continental, and global levels.