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Falcon auction a new addition to fifth ADIHEX

ABU DHABI - For the first time this year, falcon auction would be added to the fifth edition of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), which will take place on October 8-11 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The falcon auction will be in addition to the other three main attractions in the exhibition - camel and horse auctions as well as saluki beauty competition.

Falconry is a major draw at ADIHEX, which promotes farm-bred birds in order to protect the endangered wild falcon.

"We have an agreement with CITES to protect the wild falcon, whose capture is now illegal," said Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and board member of Emirates Falconers' Club, organiser of the event.

In order to maintain a balance between heritage and environmental protection, hybrid falcons have been introduced for hunting purposes, which are largely purchased during ADIHEX, right in time for the hunting season, he said.

This year, eight national and international falcon farms will be exhibiting at the exhibition and, according to ADIHEX Manager Abdullah Al Qubaisi, many more are seeking participation in the falcon auction.

Nine old and new competitions will also take place during ADIHEX - hybrid falcons; best idea or invention for hunting and falconry equipment; Nabati poetry on falcons and hunting themes; best research on Arab hunting and equestrian traditions; finest Arabian saluki dog; "Made in UAE" competition for traditional crafts; the best Arabic coffee; painting and photography competitions focused on UAE/Gulf heritage. The deadline for all entry to competitions is September 15.

"The exhibition this year is bigger than ever before, covering the entire ADNEC space," pointed out Al Qubaisi.

The 23,300 square metres are now fully booked by 445 exhibitors from 35 countries, 53 per cent of them being Emirati companies.