Adihex 2006, a big draw for exhibitors

The event, the biggest and one-of-its-kind event outside the European continent, is being organised by the Emirates Falconers' Club from September 11 to 15 under the auspices of Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Club.

Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouie, Chairman of the Organising Committee and Board Member of the Emirates Falconers' Club, told the Press that hectic preparations are on for holding the exhibition.

"Four months before the opening, bookings have exceeded 87 per cent of the primary exhibition area, which is required to be expanded to accommodate the daily increasing requests for participation. More than 400 companies from over 35 countries are expected to take part in the event due to the marketing and promotional plan which was launched prior to the conclusion of the last round," he noted.

Besides, the event has grown in reputation and it is now considered by major international research institutes as one of the top international hunting and equestrian exhibitions in the world.

Taking into account the great success of 'Adihex 2005' when the number of exhibitors increased 185 per cent, the number of visitors shot up 160 per cent, and the exhibition area amazingly increased more than 200 per cent, he pointed out.

Al Mazrouie stated that Abu Dhabi is once again hosting the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition as a festival with a heritage touch and the stunning success and growth achieved in the previous rounds.

"This event has been extremely interesting for visitors and exhibitors as it provides a variety of hunting and falconry equipment, camel and horse auctions, social atmosphere, innovative competitions, and good opportunities of direct sales, promotional offers, concluding big deals and reinforcing business relations," added the official.

He underscored that this event is also important as a unique economic activity.

Last year, it attracted than 65,000 visitors from the GCC countries and all over the world. Exhibitors had very encouraging economic benefits last year: an average of 12 deals for each exhibitor were concluded, and an average of 13 new business relations for each exhibitor were established, in addition to total direct sales of more than Dh60 million, and deals with a total value of approximately Dh800 million.

Attracting more than 17,500 guests from outside the UAE (of the total 65,000 visitors) and accommodating them at Abu Dhabi hotels, the exhibition has, in a very short time, become one of the economic prosperity catalysts and played a major role in reinforcing and developing the tourism sector in Abu Dhabi. It has provided a good opportunity for the promotion of tourist services and facilities, attracting more tourist groups to Abu Dhabi.