SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) is set to launch its largest edition to date.

The 22nd edition will take place from August 30 to September 7 at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

Organised by ADNEC Group — a Modon Holding company — in collaboration with the Emirates Falconers’ Club (EFC), the nine-day exhibition will run daily from 11am to 10pm.

Recognised as the largest event of its kind in the region and globally, ADIHEX 2025 will host record participation from leading local and international companies, showcasing the latest technologies and innovations.

The agenda for ADIHEX 2025 was announced at a press conference held in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, attended by Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the EFC; Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group; and Saad Al Hasani, Event Director of ADIHEX.

Al Mansouri said: “I am pleased to extend my thanks and appreciation to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his continuous support for efforts to preserve authentic Emirati heritage. Our mission is guided by his vision and his statement: ‘We continue on Sheikh Zayed’s path to preserve the sustainability of heritage in its material and moral aspects, so it remains a fundamental pillar of the Emirati national identity’.”

He added: “I also express my gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, and patron of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, for his ongoing support of the largest event of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, which has seen tangible development in recent years thanks to our joint efforts.”

Largest ADIHEX in History

Spanning 92,000 sq.m this year — an increase of 7% from 2024 — the exhibition has grown fourteen-fold compared to the first edition in 2003.

Al Dhaheri said ADIHEX 2025 is “expected to see unprecedented participation from leading local and international companies across various sectors”.

ADIHEX 2025 will feature 2,068 brands, marking an increase of over 21% from last year’s 1,713. This also represents a remarkable 52-fold growth compared to the inaugural edition.

A record 68 countries are set to participate, including 11 making their debut, reflecting a five-fold increase in global participation since the exhibition’s inception.

Al Dhaheri added that this edition has introduced several new events and features — most notably eight falcon auctions, with four held prior to ADIHEX and four during the exhibition.

Falcon farm participation hit a record 46, quadrupling from last year, while community-focused events nearly doubled to 21.

This year’s visitors will have the opportunity to explore 15 diverse sectors, including four new categories: Camel, Arabian Saluki, Knives, and Souq. There will also be arts, crafts, and outdoor lifestyle innovations.

Al Mansouri said the exhibition has grown into a global platform for falconry, hunting, equestrian, heritage, and art.

“Since its launch, the exhibition has witnessed continuous growth by increasing the number of exhibitors and expanding its area, attracting more than two million visitors of over 125 nationalities. It has become a main platform for heritage protection and enhancing communication between peoples,” he said.

“The previous edition was marked by the launch of a unique initiative under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, namely the ‘ADIHEX Falcon Badge’, in preparation for the President’s Cup for Falconry, reaffirming the exhibition’s status as a global platform for heritage and sustainability.”

Embracing Innovation Al Mansouri noted that the edition, with the slogan “The Legacy Lives On”, blends heritage with innovation and offers new interactive content.

A smart application with an interactive map and event tracking has been launched to enhance visitors’ experience. Al Dhaheri emphasised that ADIHEX 2025 reflects ADNEC Group’s commitment to leadership’s vision, expanding heritage, cultural, eco-tourism, and sustainability efforts.

“The exhibition continues to consolidate its position as a global platform for Emirati cultural heritage and the preservation of cultural and heritage for future generations. It also attracts industry leaders and specialised companies from various continents to establish strategic partnerships that support the national economy,” he added.

ADIHEX has evolved by embracing innovation while also staying true to the core values of Emirati culture and heritage, Al Hasani said.

“This year’s edition has focused on enhancing our existing features while introducing new features, bringing the total to 21. The new sectors dedicated to Camels, Arabian Saluki, Knives and Souq have been added, with even greater number of exhibitors and brands participating,” he said.

Hunting weapons will also be showcased under Ministry of Interior regulations, with participation from clubs and amateurs locally and abroad.

Engaging the Younger Generation

With an economic impact of approximately Dh500 million in its previous edition, this year’s event is expected to achieve greater results.

Organisers emphasised that the exhibition extends far beyond hunting, serving as a platform to promote cultural, social, and educational values, particularly among the country’s youth.

“Through our combined efforts, the 22nd edition of ADIHEX will provide an exceptional and unique experience for all visitors and exhibitors,” Al Hasani said.

A new edition of the exhibition is set to launch in Al Ain next November, aiming to expand youth and family engagement while further strengthening ADIHEX’s role in preserving heritage.