Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – The curtain fell on the fifth day of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), held at the ADNEC Abu Dhabi Center. The event featured a packed schedule of heritage shows and rich cultural experiences.
The 22nd edition of this global event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club. It is organized by ADNEC Group, a Modon company, in cooperation with the Emirates Falconers’ Club.
The fifth day of the exhibition featured a distinguished array of events that highlighted the diversity of Emirati heritage, alongside innovative, futuristic displays that engaged visitors of all ages, presenting a vibrant and adventurous outdoor lifestyle.
The knives sector at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition attracts elite exhibitors from the UAE, along with prominent international participants from the United States, Germany, Japan, and Italy.
They present distinguished collections of hunting knives, combining classic designs inspired by heritage with modern innovations with a contemporary flair.
The exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the knives up close. They can also learn about their finest details, such as the type of metal used, the balance of the handle, the quality of the blade, and the hand-engravings.
These engravings reflect the diversity of cultures and traditional crafts, allowing them to truly experience the magic of the Abu Dhabi Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition.
The sector also hosts interactive workshops teaching the art of knife making and maintenance, in addition to live meetings with leading international knife makers, who share their expertise and craft techniques.
Purchasing and customization opportunities are also available, allowing visitors to acquire unique pieces tailored to their tastes and needs.
Knowledge Platform: Educational Workshops and Lectures
As part of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), the Knowledge Platform hosted an educational workshop titled “Learning About Falcons.”
Presented by Emirati trainer Afra Khalifa, who specializes in falconry and desert physiognomy, the workshop reviewed the most prominent heritage sports in the UAE, such as falconry, camel racing, and horse racing. She emphasized that falconry is not just a sport, but a rich cultural heritage associated with the name of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was considered the first falconer in the country.
Khalifa explained that falcons in the Gulf are divided into three main types: the gyrfalcon, the peregrine falcon, and the har, while there are 37 species worldwide. The gyrfalcon is distinguished by its extreme speed, while the harf is characterized by its calmness and poise. She noted that falcons rely on themselves for hunting, and that the houbara bustard and wild rabbit are among their most important prey.
The trainer pointed out that hunting is a collective sport and cannot be practiced individually. She emphasized that falconry was once a means of livelihood, as it was said that “a house with a falcon in it never runs out of food.” Today, it has become a hobby practiced by Emiratis, in an effort to preserve this authentic heritage.
The workshop reviewed Sheikh Zayed’s efforts in establishing hospitals and farms for bird breeding, supporting the sustainability of this environmental and cultural heritage. The workshop was well attended by school students and a number of exhibition visitors, who interacted with the valuable information and presentations about the world of falcons.
The Abu Dhabi Police Directorate also organized an awareness workshop titled “Safety Initiative for Off-Road Trips.” It highlighted the importance of camping as an opportunity for recreation and learning, and emphasized that good preparation is key to a safe off-road experience.
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) is an opportunity to expand on these concepts. The workshop addressed the steps involved in preparing for an off-road trip.
This includes choosing a destination, checking the weather and road conditions, preparing a clear schedule, and informing family or friends of the route. It also emphasized the need to obtain an official camping permit.
The workshop reviewed the most prominent challenges that may face overland trips, such as health and natural hazards, and vehicle-related breakdowns. It also addressed unsafe human behaviors, while addressing the importance of properly preparing vehicles.
It emphasized the importance of carrying basic camping supplies, most notably a first aid kit. This is a temporary rescue tool for dealing with minor injuries and insect bites until reaching the nearest medical center.
Safe Atmosphere
Meanwhile, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) organized a workshop titled “Safe Skies: Drone Operations in the UAE.” Presented by Moza Al-Sawafi, Administrative Officer in the Aviation Safety Sector, she reviewed the regulatory framework for the use of drones.
She noted that their use was available to all members of society until 2022, before being restricted to government agencies and companies, subject to specific requirements.
Al-Sawafi also addressed the recreational use of drones and its conditions, as well as registration requirements and permitted operating hours.
Al-Sawafi presented a detailed map of the permitted flight areas, which was met with great interaction from the audience, who asked numerous questions about the safe operation of these aircraft. This made the workshop more of an interactive discussion session than a traditional lecture.
Arena, the live events area
The Arena at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2025 witnessed a day filled with live performances that dazzled visitors. These performances embodied the diversity of cultural heritage and the unique skills associated with the world of hunting and equestrian. Therefore, ADIHEX is an unforgettable experience for heritage enthusiasts.
The events kicked off in the morning with a distinguished parade by the Camel Unit of the Royal Jordanian Badia Forces. This was followed by a captivating show by Friesian horses, followed by a simulated falconry show featuring Mongolian eagles, which attracted the attention of traditional hunting enthusiasts.
Expert Ali Al Ameri presented two distinguished segments titled “The Art of Dealing with Horse Language,” where the audience interacted with nonverbal communication methods with horses, drawing great interest from families and equestrian enthusiasts.
The Abu Dhabi Police Music Band also dazzled the audience with its artistic performance, followed by an Arabian Saluki show, which showcased the agility of this purebred breed. Camel and Friesian horse performances were repeated throughout the day, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy them at various times.
In the evening, the activities varied between Arabian horse show and dressage, and the Abu Dhabi Police camel show. The day concluded with an exciting show by the Abu Dhabi Police K9 Unit, before Ali Al Ameri returned with a closing session on horse language. The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is also a great opportunity for fans of these events.
The Arena continues to present its daily shows within a rich program that combines entertainment and education, reflecting the spirit of authentic Emirati heritage.
This year’s exhibition features a rich program of events, shows, and competitions that celebrate the UAE’s heritage and authentic culture, in harmony with the spirit of innovation and renewal. Through this unique combination, the exhibition continues to consolidate its position as a global platform for hunting and equestrian sports.
ADIHEX also serves as a center for education and knowledge exchange, a forum for forging business partnerships, and a pioneer in promoting innovative sustainability concepts.
