Zayed's green efforts in focus as Adihex begins

Sheikh Humaid during the opening of 16th edition of Adihex that celebrates Sheikh Zayed's values, deep-rooted in environmental conservation. - Photos by Ryan Lim

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, inaugurated the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) in the UAE capital on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Sheikh Amaar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman.
The largest hunting and equestrian exhibition in the region, which is taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), will run until September 29.
The five-day exhibition allows visitors to experience the UAE cultural heritage in all its aspects and learn about the latest equipment for camping, fishing and hunting equipment, watersports, outdoor sports, and equestrian activities.
Adihex 2018 has been dedicated to celebrate the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed. It is focusing on Sheikh Zayed's interests including the protection of the environment, falconry, sustainable hunting and equestrian. The aim is to promote sustainable hunting and to encourage the use of traditional tools used by Arabs to connect with the values of Sheikh Zayed, the first falconer, and one of the most important environmentalists in the world.
Environmental enthusiasts visiting the exhibition will also have the chance to learn how Sheikh Zayed's efforts to protect ecosystems and conserve species have paved the way for a more sustainable future.
Inspired by the Year of Zayed, the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) is taking people visiting their stand at Adihex on a journey through the environmental legacy of Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE.
The stand features various zones that include; protected areas, endangered species, regulations, the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and inspired citizens.
"The late Sheikh Zayed was the first to encourage action on the threats posed to birds and animals species. He set in motion a wide variety of programmes designed to protect various species. For example, when nearing extinction, he set up a captive-breeding programme capturing two breeding pairs of Arabian Oryx to become the heart of a conservation initiative," said an official from EAD.
"This is a unique cultural and heritage event for us," said 27-year-old Emirati, Mohammed Al Shamsi, who visited the exhibition on the first day. "The exhibition educates us about our culture and how well we can preserve our heritage. The event is also a great platform for promoting the environment."
This year, the exhibition has been divided into different sections including that of culture, knowledge, competitions and human development. There are various activities at different pavilions.The exhibition is gaining popularity as 61 new exhibitors have joined this year for the major heritage event, which has seen the participation of 650 companies and commercial firms from more than 40 countries, including 170 local exhibitors, 164 international exhibitors.

Dedicated zones for Sheikh Zayed