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The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) opens its doors for the 12th time yesterday. Under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Emirates Falconer's Club, and with the support of the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Informa Exhibitions, the four days event is welcoming 640 exhibitors from 48 countries, more than any other year.
"Compared to previous editions, ADIHEX is witnessing this year a noticeable development at the level of regional and international participation. The total area allocated for exhibiting companies has witnessed a considerable increase of more than 18%, expanding from 14,345 square meters to over 17,000 square meters .The number of participating countries has also increased by a similar rate, with the participation, this year, of more than 640 companies from 48 countries from the different continents of the world (as compared to 41 countries in the previous edition)," said His Excellency Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of ADIHEX Higher Organising Committee, Adviser for Culture and Heritage in the Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee Abu Dhabi.
So what is there to see, enjoy and purchase at ADIHEX 2014? Pretty much everything from camel auction, Emirati made knives and African safaris to Al Ain and German falcons, photography and painting competitions, beautifully crafted firearms and Emirati heritage shows.

ADNEC's ICC Hall will be busy daily with full program of daily shows, from 11 am till 9.30 pm. For the first time this year, the UAE Armed Forces is presenting horse jumping shows every day, except Friday; Al Ain Zoo is bringing parrot shows, as well as the King of the Sky bird shows; the Dhabian Equestrian Club is presenting natural horsemanship and dressage demonstrations, but also show jumping and horse grooming lessons; Abu Dhabi Police is bringing the K9 dog show, and the popular Arabian Saluki Beauty Competition is back, now in its 9th year; on Friday only the camel auction is on and every evening the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee Abu Dhabi is presenting the Abu Dhabi Folklore Dance Group.
"In terms of exhibiting space, our 'biggest' exhibitor this year is once again Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival," mentioned Abdullah Batti Al Qubaisi, director of ADIHEX and member of the exhibition's Higher Organizing Committee.
Mostly, Sheikh Mansour's equestrian Festival promotes all aspects of the pure bred Arabian horse. Established in 2009, the Festival organises several flat races locally and internationally.

"It is very important for us to be at ADIHEX. We need to reflect a nice image worldwide, and to do that, we have to start at home," said Lara Sawaya, director of the Festival.

"This year, there will be 90 guests, all experts in the equestrian field, coming to ADIHEX, looking for interaction and possibly collaboration for future races," she added.

Falconry remains centre stage at ADIHEX, with breeders from UAE, but also from as far as Germany and Austria bringing their farm-bred falcons here, right in time for the coming hunting season. Since best birds can cost well over AED 10,000, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is setting up a special check point, where buyers can bring their chosen falcon for a health check before they pay for the bird.

EVER MORE GCC COUNTRIES ENCHANTED BY ADIHEX
ADIHEX being the only hunting and equestrian exhibition in the Middle East - and one of the best in the world - it is no wonder it attracts extensive participation from the region, this year more than ever.

"The extensive participation of GCC companies and exhibiters in the upcoming exhibition constitutes a great push forward for the event, and reflects the depth of the special relationships between GCC countries. The participating Gulf companies have expressed their deep contentment for the extent of support and consideration given to them by the Organizing Committee of ADIHEX, uniting the GCC countries' efforts to protect the traditions of their ancestors, and promote the concept of sustainable hunting," stated Al Qubaisi.
Present this year is the Saudi Wildlife Authority, a familiar exhibitor at ADIHEX. Prince Bandar Bin Saud Bin Mohammad, Head of the Saudi Wildlife Authority, expressed his deep gratitude for the Higher Organizing Committee of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition and its President, Board Member of the Emirates Falconer's Club and Advisor for Culture and Heritage at the Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, HE Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei.

"Our participation in such international events reflects HH the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, HH the Crown Prince and HH the Deputy Crown Prince - May Allah Protect Them - keenness to conserve the wildlife and encourage sustainable hunting and use of natural resources by promoting the adherence to national laws and legislations and relevant international and regional agreements," he added.

The Fahad Bin Sultan Falcon Center in Saudi Arabia joins ADIHEX for the second time. Considered a leader in falcons' treatment and medical research, the only one of its kind in KSA, the Center was established in 1998 and it has become a regional cultural landmark. Having the latest equipment and advanced facilities, it has examined and treated over 25,000 falcons coming from all parts of GCC.

According to the Center's officials, its participation at ADIHEX is due to the regional and international prominence of the exhibition and the great turnout of visitors of falconry fans and experts.
From Kuwait there are six participating companies. Among them, Al Gannas for Hunting Guns and Ammunition is returning to ADIHEX for the second time. As previously, Al Gannas is bringing a variety of distinguished hunting rifles adorned with precious stones and hand-made with the highest quality of craftsmanship and accuracy.

Another Kuwaiti company, Rmadan, is showcasing easy to assemble and disassemble hunting tents and their accessories, plus communication, including GPS equipment, and their accessories. The stand also exhibits accessories for traditional majlis, lighting equipment, torches and mini generators. Rmadan's services of equipping a vehicle for falcon hunting purposes will also be available at its stand.

Among the six Kuwaiti participants, Kashta is the veteran, taking part at every edition of ADIHEX since the exhibition first opened in 2003.
"The regular participation of Kashta in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is rooted in the company's keenness to participate in the most prominent international exhibitions, most importantly this exhibition, which holds a great position on the international scene," said Shabeb Al Ajmi, Director General of Kashta.

The company promotes here its the latest equipment for hunting and camping.
From Qatar, Al Hashimia Falconry exhibits a variety of tools used by falconers, all traditional and of very high quality. At its stand falconers will find some of the best falcon hoods, made from luxurious smooth colored leather by specialists who have studied this craft under the pioneers of hood making in the Arabian Gulf, with special consideration to the craftsmanship and accuracy of measurements.

Apart from high quality, Al Hashimia falcon hoods are also known for their contemporary decorations, suitable for all kinds of falcons.
TAWAZUN IS BACK WITH THE LATEST WEAPONRY AND AMMUNITION
Hunting weapons and firearms of all calibres are an intrinsic part of ADIHEX and this year is no different. Among the dozens of weapon manufacturers exhibiting, Tawazun, the UAE-based strategic investment company and four of its subsidiaries are set to attract the attention of hunting and firearms connoisseurs. One of the largest firearms stand, Tawazun will exhibit the latest in hunting and defence weaponry, ammunition, shooting clubs and training services at this 2014 edition of ADIHEX.

The specialist rifle manufacturer Merkel, Caracal Light Ammunition, pistol and tactical rifle manufacturer Caracal International and shooting consultancy and management firm Remaya are the four subsidiaries fully owned and managed by Tawazun, exhibiting their latest products and services.
"ADIHEX provides the perfect platform to celebrate the best of UAE manufacturing and national expertise," said Saif Ali Al Marzooqi, Tawazun Associate Director and Corporate Communications.

Furthermore, Remaya will participate in the Knowledge Zone, created by ADIHEX organizers for the first time this year as a multimedia platform for exhibitors to present their products and services or to raise awareness about environment, conservation projects, sustainable hunting and other related topics.

Remaya experts will run in the Knowledge Zone the "Combat for First Aid" presentation, focusing on firearm safety and first aid. Remayas consultancy and training services for shooting clubs and related products has seen the company expand its offering in the UAE, and its portfolio of clubs will be taking center stage at ADIHEX.

Its management operations include Caracal Shooting Club in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Shooting Club. The latest addition, the state of the art Western Region Shooting Club, is currently under construction and it will open in early 2015.
During ADIHEX, Remaya will offer visitors discounts of up to 40% off annual shooting club memberships.

DEEP ROOTED TRADITIONS BROUGHT TO LIFE BY CULTURAL PROGRAMS AND HERITAGE FESTIVALS COMMITTEE

Long ago, in the barasti villages of Liwa, while the men went out in the desert, hunting for a rabbit or even a gazelle to feed the family, the women stayed home, looking after the children, often passing time by weaving khoos - palm fronds items such as baskets or floor mats - or making talli - colourful embroidery for dresses.

Across the desert, on the coast of Abu Dhabi, their distant relatives and other families would spend much of their time at sea, in a shashah or lansh, small palm frond fishing boats, catching the meal of the day.

Most of the fish, though, was dried and preserved in salt, thus fit to make the journey from Abu Dhabi to Liwa at the start of the summer season, when coastal families would seek refuge from heavy heat and humidity in the cooler desert oasis. The salted fish was often used as trade with oasis dwellers and Bedouins as well, in exchange for dates and various desert and farm products.
From desert to sea and to oasis, the Emirati traditions have always been connected and they come together, once more, at the 12th Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX)

The Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee has set up at ADIHEX a traditional mahader exhibition, typical barasti house settlement from Liwa oasis. The exhibition explores aspects of Emirati identity by focusing on both tangible and intangible heritage through crafts that are linked to hunting and fishing traditions.

The goal of the exhibition, cantered on the theme of Survival, is to interpret the significances of Emirati traditional handicrafts from the standpoints of history, Emirati identity and personality, heritage and lifestyle. It showcases not only traditional Emirati handicrafts, but also the techniques and tools linked to them, as well as the socio-cultural and economic background of the objects and techniques. Presented in an accessible and engaging manner, the objects and live demonstrations provide the public with a meaningful experience, meant to make a constructive and educational long-lasting impact.

The concept of Survival as the main theme for the exhibition comes from the fact that life in pre-oil Emirates was often about making ends meet. Thus, the exhibition reflects the characteristic traits of the UAE people and their ongoing journey of resilience, reinvention and renewal in the aim to survive and progress, to always conquer the challenges of the times.
On display, visitors may find traditional Emirati rifles and the making of gunpowder, as well as khanjars, the typical silver daggers that always used to be worn by man, swards and knives, which were used in battles, but mostly in slaughtering a goat or cutting bush and tree branches to make a fire.
A small shashah, the small dhow or wooden boat with all the traditional fishing tools is also on display. Fisherman too sit by the shashah, making fish nets, telling stories of fishing in the old days and, on occasion, even singing a sea song.

Not only the content of the exhibition, but the layout too is traditional, inspired by the Liwa mahader, a cluster of barasti huts, each serving a purpose sleeping space, majlis, kitchen area that formed the living space of a family.
Similar to the actual Mahader, where the settlements constitute anchors in a broadly defined landscape, as well as represent links to the cohesive social structure embedded within a desert landscape, the exhibition space includes several units and other features that are scattered around the exhibiting area, but connected through their purpose, meaning, content and different, but complementary functions.

In a majlis style environment, visitors may enjoy an Arabic coffee while getting to learn more about some other heritage and cultural projects, namely the Shawati magazine, Al Dhafra Festival and the Poetry Academy.

ENVIRONMENT AGENCY ABU DHABI BRINGS VISITORS CLOSER TO NATURE AT ADIHEX
The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) has returned to ADIHEX this year with a bigger, more creative and engaging stand, featuring hands-on environmental-themed experiences and interactive art installations. Falcons, salukis, desert hare and even cats and dogs for adoption are also featured at the stand.

"We are excited to showcase our work to protect Abu Dhabi's environment through programs on land, sea, and air. This year, we want to highlight Abu Dhabi's unique environment and offer visitors an opportunity to experience nature up close," said HE Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, the Secretary General of EAD.

EADs stand, covering 1,100 square metres, is highlighting major projects that are crucial to its efforts to protect Abu Dhabi's environment, such as the Arabian Oryx Breeding and Release Program, the Mangrove Plantation and Protection Program, and the Flamingo Monitoring Program.

Visitors will be able to experience a virtual tour of the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve and its population of beautiful and rare flamingos at a custom-built movie theatre, take snapshots and selfies at the social media photo-booth with local environment scenes as background and experience the Mangrove National Park through a kayaking and paddle boarding activity.
Children too have the opportunity to learn about the life of the Arabian Oryx through the story of Maha, a young oryx, as she is introduced into her new desert habitat, after her family went nearly extinct.
In an art corner, a graffiti artist will develop a large illustration on a graffiti wall over the course of the four-day exhibition.

As in previous years, The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, operating under the umbrella of EAD, is bringing its loving rescued cats and dogs, hoping to find their forever home by being adopted at ADIHEX.

During the first day of ADIHEX, EAD announced it will open its eco reserves to the public, giving the Abu Dhabi residents and visitors the opportunity to explore the emirates natural heritage at three ecosystems that are immensely important for local biodiversity: Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, Mangrove National Park and, at a future date, Qasr A Sarab protected area.
As city life increasingly insulates us from our natural world, we need to seek out experiences to reconnect with it. EADs Eco - Reserve program offers residents of Abu Dhabi nearby opportunities to re-establish their relationship with nature, said Al Mubarak.

We want visitors to experience the flight of migrating flamingos, see the mangrove forests and set foot on the same land as the Arabian Oryx, she added.

The public will be able to welcome home more than 4000 migrating flamingos to Al Wathba Wetland Reserve after spending their summer in Kazakhstan. During the flamingos absence, EAD has developed public walking trails, wildlife viewing areas and visitor infrastructure.

The Mangrove National Park, located on the east coast of the city, is primarily accessible by kayak trips through tour operators. It encompasses 19 square kilometres of mangrove forest and provides a rich habitat for various sea and birds species.

Qasr Al Sarab Protected Area, EADs third eco-reserve, is home to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Arabian Oryx Reintroduction Program, which is helping the Arabian Oryx recover from the brink of extinction.

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