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The Higher Organizing Committee of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) declared the launch of a series of research, scientific, literary, and artistic competitions, with the aim of enhancing efforts to conserve heritage and authentic traditions, preserving the environment and sustainable hunting, by attracting younger generations to take part in such endeavours and nurturing young creative talent from different countries.

Valuable monetary and non-monetary prizes will be awarded to the winners, who will be announced during the exhibition, while applications to participate in the competitions are open to August 31st, 2021.

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 organized by the Emirates Falconers Club from September 27 to October 3, 2021, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The exhibition is officially sponsored by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. "Sustainability & Heritage.. A Reborn Aspiration" has been chosen as the theme for the upcoming edition of the exhibition, in recognition of the efforts of Abu Dhabi and the world to enhance the sustainability of the environment, hunting, heritage sports and related businesses. It also highlights the comprehensive strategy that is formulated to develop the event and allow the hosting of more activities and features, based on the successes of past editions in a reborn aspiration.

The Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers Club highlighted that this initiative aims to introduce younger generations to the cultural, civilizational, and environmental heritage of their fathers and forefathers and instil in them the importance of preserving the environment. Moreover, it aims to appeal creative people from all over the world to participate in ADIHEX, where visitors have come to expect close interaction with authentic heritage and explore the passion of modern man for developing authentic sports, documenting them, and highlighting their common social and cultural importance through a variety of fun and innovative artistic, literary, and cultural activities and events.

The competition entitled Best Research in Hunting and Equestrian Among Arabs focuses on encouraging researchers and specialists in the field of heritage. It also helps to spread ADIHEXs long-term message on the importance of protecting the environment, preserving cultural heritage, making sure the sustainability of hunting, and promoting Abu Dhabi as an authentic cultural destination. It encourages researchers and promotes innovation in researching and documenting the ancient heritage of the region, particularly in the field of falconry, one of the most important elements of heritage in the UAE and the Arab Gulf region.

Participation is open for all nationalities between 18 to 30 years old, in both Arabic and English, where a prize is awarded to each of them. In order to participate, competitors must present a research about the Arab hunting and equestrian culture that has not been previously published or already been awarded an Arab or international award.

The two competitions entitled Best Invention in the Field of Falconry and Hunting and Best Vehicle for Hunting Trips are open to all exhibitors and participants in ADIHEX. For participation, the innovation presented must be brand new and has never been featured in a previous competition. It should also provide a tangible service to falconers, enthusiasts, and safari organizers and must be presented for the first time at ADIHEX.

The competitions entitled Best Paintings and Best Photographs are open to painters and photographers from all over the world. Each includes three categories (falconry, equestrian, and heritage), with prizes going to the first three winners of each category. Participants may present one single artistic work created in 2021, which will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, and artistry.

Organizing these competitions comes within the framework of preserving the human heritage, highlighting the prominence of falcons and horses in the UAE, and introducing younger generations to the cultural, civilizational, and environmental heritage of their fathers and forefathers and the importance of preserving and highlighting it through the refined medium of the arts.

In parallel, and in the context of honouring visitors of all nationalities and encouraging them to interact with the exhibition, the Higher Organizing Committee will launch two competitions for visitors of different age groups, entitled Best Photograph of Activities at the 18th Edition and Best Video Clip of Activities at ADIHEX for images and videos which are taken at ADIHEX 2021.

Conditions for participation will be published on the electronic platforms and social media accounts of ADIHEX prior to the start of the exhibition. This year, ADIHEX will also feature a poetry competition for young poets between the ages of 18 and 25. The competition is comprised of three categories: Describing a Bird, Falconry, and Losing a Bird. The prizes will be awarded to the first three winners in each category. The poems must be recently written, not previously published, and in the range of 15 to 25 verses long. Participants must also provide a recorded recital of the poem by its author.

The contest The Most Beautiful Captive-Bred Falcon achieved wide international popularity and attracted many participants who are keen to present their finest falcons, bred in falcons farms in the region and the world. The contest has received the recognition of various regional and international entities that are concerned with heritage preservation and environmental protection because it has incentivised falconers to conserve wild falcons. The competition includes the following categories: most beautiful pure Gyr, most beautiful Gyr peregrine, most beautiful Three Quatro Saker Gyr (3/4), and most beautiful Pure Gyr Male.

This unique event seeks to motivate falconers to use hybrid falcons as a suitable alternative to falcons captured in the wild and, by doing so, allowing populations of wild falcon to recover and grow. The contest is dedicated to falcon breeding facilities in the Arab Gulf region and around the world. As in previous editions of ADIHEX, the Higher Organizing Committee is holding a competition to choose the Most Beautiful Display platform for falcons and falconry equipment to motivate exhibitors in this sector to add creative touches to their pavilions.

There is also a Saluki Beauty Contest in the categories, Al Hoss and Aryash (smooth & feathery) - males/females, which will be judged according to approved international standards. The Saluki is considered one of the oldest breeds of hunting dogs in the world, emerging more than 12,000 years ago from its original home in the Arabian Peninsula. Saluki dogs are known for their exceptional abilities, intelligence and loyalty, and are an important part of our cultural heritage and the legacy of our fathers and forefathers.

Prior to the launch of ADIHEX, a heritage, environmental, cultural competition will be announced for school students, by allocating a special area for children at the exhibition, where awareness-raising prizes will be presented to students from participating official entities.

Visitors and participants at ADIHEX can also look forward to a variety of other unique competitions, specially in the shooting sports. Details of these features will be announced by exhibitors and participating parties later.

In addition to organizing a variety of interesting activities, events, and performances in the Arena, as the exhibition has become an introductory and documentary platform for human heritage, highlighting important aspects of the authentic Emirati identity, and promoting interaction with the cultures of different people and countries.

The richness and comprehensiveness of ADIHEX is 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.

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