11th Abu Dhabi International Equestrian '&' Hunting Exhibition 2013

Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers' Club, the 11th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is set to kick off in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi from 4 to 7 September 2013 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the ADIHEX Higher Organising Committee and Adviser for Culture and Heritage in the Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and board member of the Emirates Falconers' Club, told the press conference held Abu Dhabi Continental Hotel that " In the United Arab Emirates, we continuously strive to create platforms that enable us to showcase the unique culture of this beautiful country, in distinctive ways, to a global audience." He added that the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is one of the most important annual events of its kind dedicated to the preservation of culture and heritage. Through which we continuously aim to achieve greater success year after year, especially since ADIHEX is the only exhibition specialised in the culture and heritage of the Gulf region, and as such maintaining success is surely much more difficult than just achieving it." Al Mazrouei said, ADIHEX, through its previous editions, has gained international recognition, and has become a prime destination for manufacturers of hunting and equestrian equipment and accessories. With a plethora of unique activities, ADHIEX is now competing with the world's most important exhibitions in this area. He added that the launch of its eleventh edition, this Wednesday will be a testament to the importance ADIHEX has garnered with the participation of over 600 exhibitors from 40 countries spanning an area over 39,000 sq. as well as the participation of 50 local and international new comers. Despite the large international presence, Al Mazrouei continued, the number of the participating UAE companies has witnessed a significant increase with. Over 100 local exhibitors, in addition to several government entities whose mandate is to preserve the environment, culture and heritage, and promote traditional hobbies and sports. This is done alongside the inscription of several symbols of the Emirati culture in the UNESCO representative list of the "Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity", including falconry, Sadu and Taghruda. The cultural activities held in parallel with the exhibition have proven their efficacy and impact in reviving culture and tourism in the UAE. It was the meticulous organisation and careful selection of the type of cultural activities that has led to successful showcasing of Emirati cultural heritage by reflecting various aspects of culture, art and heritage in the UAE. This in turn, has made ADIHEX a comprehensive exhibition with festivities appealing to, all segments of the society, in all age groups, ultimately attracting over 100,000 visitors annually in the past editions of ADIHEX series. "Abu Dhabi has certainly succeeded in launching several of the most important heritage festivals, all of which comes as a result of the unlimited support of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in addition to the close direction and management of the Patron of ADIHEX, H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconer’s Club.", he said. Al Mazrouei thanked the sponsors and supporters of this important international exhibition: The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, H. H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, "Tawazun" the Weaponry Partner, and Sky News Arabia. From the Speech of His Excellency Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the ADIHEX Higher Organising Committee and Adviser for Culture and Heritage in the Court of His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and board member of the Emirates Falconers' Club. Abdulla bin Butti Al Qubaisi, member of the Organising Committee and Director of ADIHEX said, the 11th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is a continuation to the outstanding efforts of the Emirates Falconers' Club and the Management of the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee, that strive to encourage the new generation to return to their cultural heritage while working towards finding modern methods to protect the environment and sustainable hunting. He added that since its inception in 2003, ADIHEX has been the only exhibition of its kind in the Middle East that caters to visitors and businesses in the fields of falconry, hunting, and sports that involve the use of hunting gear. Additionally, the show specialises in equestrian, outdoor and marine sports, safaris, arts and crafts, as well as activities that promote the unique UAE heritage and help maintain it. For the second year in a raw, the show will include special activities in the ICC hall, this year those activities will include: Equestrian shows by Ali Al Ameri, UAE, horse and camel shows by the Emirates Heritage Club, Arabian Saluki beauty contest, bird shows by Al Ain Zoo, a camel auction held under the supervision of the National Avian Research Centre, and live performances of sniffer dogs provided by the Abu Dhabi Police. Exhibitors will also be organising special activities on their stands, these will include a workshop on falcon hood manufacturing by a specialised Spanish company, a live show on hunt knife making and testing by UAE company Tamreen, paintball target shooting (using test ammunitions) by the Sharjah Golf '&' Shooting Club and hunting archery by Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi. Some of the most important activities are the heritage museum by the Emirates Heritage Club, and the children educational activities organised by the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, and various other special exhibits by famous Emirati and international artists. Additionally, the maritime sector has witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of participants, especially in the previous edition of the exhibition, and the upcoming one, which kicks off on Wednesday. The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is a special annual event organised by Abu Dhabi. The exhibition has gained a wide recognition and has become an artistic, environmental and cultural event; it assimilates commerce and economics, which is necessary to ensure the success of any event regardless of its noble mission. The show has proved to be a continuous success, with its immaculate organisation, that reflects The UAE's eminent position on the international level. – Emirates News Agency, WAM