ABU DHABI (WAM)

The final day of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) witnessed on Sunday exclusive ceremonies at which the award winners of a range of exciting show competitions were announced and celebrated.

Taking place under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the 21st edition of the globally renowned exhibition is being organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

For the prestigious “Best Stand Design in Each Sector”, the awards reflected a focus on sustainability, creativity, and functionality as integral elements in each design. 

A distinguished panel of judges evaluated each stand based on their use of environment-friendly materials, their alignment with the theme “Embracing the Future and Honouring the Past,” and the creative concept and design features. Innovative means of displaying products services, levels of visitor attraction and engagement, and the welcome experience for visitors were also key criteria in determining the winners of the awards.

The winners in each category were:

• Equestrian Sector – The Emirates Arabian Horse Society

• Falconry Sector – Roscongress International

• Veterinary Products and Services Sector - The Gyrfalcons Mobile Veterinary Clinic

• Hunting & Camping Equipment Sector – UR Offroad

• Outdoor Leisure Vehicle & Equipment – Ironman

• Fishing and Marine Sports Sector – Alyaam

• RVs and Caravans Sector – Armadillo

• Weaponry (Hunting and Shooting Sports Equipment) Sector – Tasleeh

• Arts & Crafts – Mariam Al Hosani

• Preservation of Environment and Cultural Heritage Sector – The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Natural Reserve Authority

• Hunting, Tourism and Safari Sector – Natural Center for Wildlife

For the “Best and Most Beautiful Falcon Perch”, KHANYAR won the award for manufacturers of handmade falcon stands based on the quality of materials, functionality, comfort, and safety for falcons, and creative designs that reflected Emirati heritage, craftsmanship, and affordability.

Reflecting the superb practicality, reliability and excellence of their falconry tools, Kaltham Belselah won the highly esteemed “Best Falconry Tools Used in Hunting” category based on the quality of materials, functionality, and safety for falcons.
With the “Best Hunting Knife Contest” being open to both individuals and companies, Tamreen won the award for this competition for knives that reflected quality, durability, ease of use, and creative designs reflecting Emirati heritage. As well as showing exceptional craftsmanship, these knives were judged to be rust-proof, safe, and functional for hunting purposes.

Open to exhibitors at ADIHEX 2024 to showcase recent sculptures that reflect ancient lifestyles or traditional professions, the Best “Sculpture in Traditional Handicrafts” award was given to Tunikov Wood Sculptures for their exceptional creativity in designs that incorporated Emirati heritage, employed sustainable materials, and showcased the sustainability of handicraft work.

Limited to the participation of private companies, the esteemed category of “Most Unique Product Exhibited at ADIHEX” was won by AL SABAH for innovative products made from traditional materials typical of Emirati handicrafts that reflect craftsmanship and functionality.

The Mohamed Bin Zayed Megnas Interactive Experience was awarded “Best Feature” for their engaging workshop that taught the art of hunting with falcons, focused on sustainable hunting practices and offered valuable tips on falcon breeding and care.

For their distinguished leadership in pre-emptive species conservation, with over forty years in using science and innovation to pioneer ground-breaking techniques to restore wild populations of the houbara bustard, the award for “Best Sustainability Efforts” went to the International Fund for Houbara Conservation. As a precious natural and cultural asset, the houbara bustard has played a critical role in the lives of the people in the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years.

The distinguished competitions held at this year’s ADIHEX highlighted the intersection of tradition, skill, innovation and creativity that is characteristic of this world-renowned exhibition. 

After a spectacular agenda of activities, exhibits, and competitions that focused on the UAE’s proud heritage and culture while embracing innovation, ADIHEX 2024 has further cementing an outstanding legacy and Abu Dhabi’s global position as a centre of hunting and equestrian sports, a forum for education and new business partnerships, and an innovative sustainability leader.