Hunting exhibition in Abu Dhabi to kick off in September

Falconers and equestrian enthusiasts from around the world will descend on the capital next month to showcase their skills.

Falcons and falconry experts from around the world, including enthusiasts from Turkmenistan and Japan, will be at Adihex next month. Lee Hoagland / The National
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ABU DHABI // Falconers and equestrian enthusiasts from around the world will be in the capital next month to showcase their skills.

The 11th edition of the annual Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) is scheduled to begin on September 4 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and will run for four days.

Events include a horse show, camel auction, dog show, Arabian Saluki beauty competition, a paintball shooting range, archery, an art gallery, and a host of children’s activities.

The event aims to highlight the cultural importance of falconry and horse riding.

Falconers from Turkmenistan will attend for the first time, displaying their abilities and teaching people about their country’s history and traditions.

Also present will be representatives from Japan, where the sport has been practised for more than 1,600 years and is considered an art form.

The Japan Oil Development Company will display Japanese hunting gear and swords and will showcase falconry and hunting traditions dating from the time of the Samurai.

The event is backed by the International Committee for Wildlife Consultants, the International Association for Falconry, and the World Council for Preserving Fishing and Wildlife.

In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, the International Committee for Wildlife Consultants manages hawk research programmes in Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China and throughout Europe to ensure their sustainability.

In 2010, the UAE joined forces with 11 countries to successfully campaign for Unesco to recognise falconry as cultural heritage.

ksinclair@thenational.ae