Hamdan bin Zayed praises initiatives of President to preserve heritage

Abu Dhabi, Sept 15, 2011 (WAM) - His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers' club has commended the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for preserving UAE's heritage and culture.
Sheikh Hamdan made the statement while visiting yesterday the Abu Dhabi International Hunting '&' Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2011) which was opened earlier in the day. He was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court.
"Hunting and equestrian are the sports practiced by our forefather. Our father the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was keen on teaching us that sport and his footsteps are being followed by our leadership," Sheikh Hamdan said.
Sheikh Hamdan underlined UAE's achievements in heritage, citing Al Ain as the first UAE site to be listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and the official recognition of falconry as a live human heritage.
He said the whole world is eyeing Abu Dhabi as a prime destination for tourism and sports, thanks to the emirate's strategies and plans for tourism and economic growth.
He thanked Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and Emirates Falconers' Club for organising the exhibition which has become a cultural meeting place.
Sheikh Hamdan toured the exhibitions different pavilions and stopped at stands of government organisation, as well as national and foreign companies. He also voted for Abu Dhabi's Bu Tinah Island as one of the 7 Wonders of Nature. - Emirates News Agency, WAM