AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
For Emiratis, the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) is no longer just an event for hunting and falconry enthusiasts: Exploring it has become a family affair, as the exhibition draws in younger generations through an approach that combines heritage with modern technology.
This year's edition runs from August 28 to September 6 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, bringing falconry, equestrian sports, hunting, outdoor activities, traditional crafts and cultural experiences under one roof.
The 2025 edition drew a record 379,572 visitors and 2,068 exhibitors from 68 countries across 15 sectors - numbers that help explain why anticipation is building again this year.
Zayed Al Breiki, a 26-year-old returning visitor, is excited to see the newest advancements in falconry and hunting gear this year.
Al Breiki has been coming to the event for years, and he said it's the variety that keeps him coming back. "There's always something new to learn. You can discover new things, meet people who share your interests, and learn something you didn't know before, even if you've been there before."
He also lauded how the exhibition is making tradition appeal to a younger crowd: "Traditional activities are much more appealing to young people because the exhibition presents them in a modern and interactive way."
For Abdullah Al Breiki, a 32-year-old father of two, ADIHEX is as much a family outing as a hunting and equestrian showcase. This year, he's planning to bring his kids.
"The exhibition's family-friendly aspect piques my attention the most," he said. "I want to see engaging activities that teach my kids about Emirati customs."
For him, the exhibition is a way to hand heritage down to the next generation. "I want my kids to understand that heritage is something they can experience and participate in, not just something they hear about at school," he said.
Fahad Obaid, a 33-year-old father of three, is looking forward to the horse shows.
"I'm excited about the live performances and equestrian activities," he said. "Seeing the horses and the riders' abilities in person is very different from watching them on a screen."
He pointed to the exhibition's range as its biggest strength, something that works for the whole family, kids included. "They are at different ages, so each one takes something different from the experience," he said of his children.