ADIHEX 2017: A big celebration of Emirati culture

Abu Dhabi - This is by far the biggest in the 15-year history of the event with the participation of more than 600 companies.

The 15th edition of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) got to a magnificient opening at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) on Tuesday.

This is by far the biggest in the 15-year history of the event with the participation of more than 600 companies. Adihex, first launched in 2003, assumes greater significance as it exemplifies the efforts to preserve Emirati identity and national heritage.

The show is gaining popularity as 70 new exhibitors have joined this year for the major cultural event.The show's big attraction is hunting guns and equipment area. Emirates Defence Industries Company Caracal Hunting, International Golden Group and other international names dot the arena packed with curious children, youngsters and adults.

And once you move around, you may hear sound of bullets flying from all corners. No need to fret as it is just visitors testing their marksmanship in the shooting ranges.

And then there are arts and crafts sections with scores of paintings and canvas work, which will surely dazzle the visitors.

The falconry area sees birds on the floor and mounted on hands and stands. There are many proud owners, who are competing to flaunt their falcons, ensuring a mesmerising watch as the birds shake their necks and spread those wings.

Then there are hordes of equestrian experts and their stalls with each having a tale to tell.

And a pointer of the exhibition already being a success was the crowd of students in front of Eladel Hamsa Moustafa, the pot maker. Children attentively look on as Moustafa transforms clay into pots at his stall.

"I am glad to see this much of interest. This is why such events are important. Everything here is part of our culture and we need to preserve it for posterity," he said.

The event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region in Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club, supported by the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee, and organised by the Emirates Falconers Club. The five-day exhibition will conclude on Saturday.

Getting up close with the UAE national bird

Adihex may have grown into a major heritage event, but falconry still remains one of the key themes. The Falcon Centre UAE, a breeding farm for falcons, has displayed dozens of baby falcons from great hunting families across the world.

Falcons are available for sale between Dh25,000 and Dh100,000

"We are displaying 24 baby falcons of the best breeds," said Saeed Abdullah Al Falasi, from the centre. "People are interested in buying baby falcons so they can train them different hunting skills at an early stage."

He said the falcons are sold for a price between Dh25,000 to Dh100,000 depending on the type, family, colour of feathers, weight and other features.

Also at the exhibition is the annual saluki beauty contest. It will take place at the arena on Thursday from 1pm to 3pm. A falcon hospital is also present at the exhibition to treat the ill and injured birds.

The exhibition will also promote conservation and educate the public on the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme, which aims to increase awareness about falconry's heritage value.

Adihex runs at Adnec until Saturday, open 11am to 10pm. Entry is Dh20 per day, Dh60 for a five-day pass and Dh500 for VIP tickets.

Brisk sale of rifles and pistols

German hunting rifles, 9mm pistols and calibre sniper rifles are among thousands of hunting firearms on sale at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex).

The exhibition is expected to host more than 100,000 visitors with an impressive line up of local, regional and international firearm companies showcasing various hunting and sport ammunitions.