Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The 21st edition of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) is witnessing remarkable international participation as the nine-day event spotlights the cherished traditional sports enhanced with modern innovations.
Held 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 (EFC), the event is being held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Among the highlights of the event, running until September 8, include a pavilion showcasing Saudi Arabia’s sustainable tourism efforts, a cultural exchange initiative through Japan’s INPEX Group, and Russian falconer Alex Vlasenko introducing rare Russian falcons, along with numerous other exhibits.
During the event, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority is bringing to the fore the planning and execution of the reserve’s development strategies in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
In an interview with Aletihad, Eng. Mohammed Al-Shaalan, CEO of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority, said: “We are promoting eco-tourism within our reserves, including the Caravans, the North Reserve, and the Shamal Hunting Reserve. Alongside this, we are highlighting the Darb Zubaydah Festival, an annual winter event we host.”
Introducing their sustainable hunting reserve which was launched two years ago, Al-Shaalan noted that the initiative enables people to enjoy traditional hunting while minimising environmental impact.
This year, they have issued around 120 honey production licences, leading to the establishment of 400 cells, and granted over 1,000 grazing permits.
“Additionally, we have provided training programmes for about 3,000 local community members, underscoring our commitment to their development,” he added.
Elaborating further, Al-Shaalan said that the reserve is expanding its sustainable hunting programme to include controlled rifle use and a shooting range, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining hunting tradition.
Regarding their participation, Noritsugu Ishikawa, Chief Representation, Corporate & Commercial (CRF) at INPEX Group, Japan’s largest oil and gas exploration and production company, said: “At ADIHEX, we are proudly showcasing Japanese traditional culture, particularly through the SUWA Falconry Preservation Society (SUWA). In addition to falconry, we are presenting various aspects of Japanese culture, including the Japanese tea ceremony and candy crafting demonstrations.”
Speaking to Aletihad, Ishikawa highlighted the group’s efforts to promote cultural exchange between the UAE and Japan as part of its corporate social responsibility.
“Recently, we have conducted a falconry exchange programme with the support of the Emirates Falconers Club, sending Japanese falconers to Abu Dhabi this year and planning to invite Abu Dhabi falconers to Japan next year. Although participation from Japan is challenging, we believe this initiative offers a valuable opportunity for mutual understanding between our cultures,” he added.
Through the SUWA Falconry Preservation Society, the organisation is dedicated to nurturing the art and spirit of traditional falconry and preserving Japanese falconry culture for future generations.
The SUWA School of Falconry, with a history of over 450 years, is the oldest institution committed to preserving and passing down these practices to the next generation.
With 35 years of expertise in falconry, Vlasenko, sees ADIHEX as an ideal platform to introduce his unique, wild-blooded falcons to the Arab market.
“I have participated in this exhibition every year since it started in 2022, finding it fascinating for building new relationships and showcasing the quality of my falcons. Even if I do not make a sale, the connections made are valuable for future opportunities. My passion for falcons stems from a lifelong love for animals and a deep commitment to falconry,” Vlasenko told Aletihad.
He urged prospective falconry enthusiasts to understand falcons’ psychology and biology as much as their feeding needs.
Also speaking to Aletihad, Vlasenko’s wife Kunlanan Deebukkhum said: “Our booth showcases falcons from various countries, but we primarily represent Russian falcons to the Arab market. My husband is dedicated to caring for these falcons and is passionate about spreading the culture of falconry.”
