ADIHEX 2012: Celebrating GCC’s deep-rooted traditions and culture

M arking the 10th edition of the annual International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) to celebrate long standing traditions, art, sports and cultural heritage indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula was held between Sept. 5-8 at the national exhibition center in Abu Dhabi.
The three-day exhibition, spread across an area exceeding 38,000 square meters, allowed visitors to view and purchase the latest products and services in camping, hunting, equestrian, outdoor and marine sports, in addition to live performances like the equestrian and sniffer dog shows, camel auctions, gaming arenas and stage plays.
ADIHEX has been attracting many visitors in the past years. International companies that are concerned with the promotion of hunting sports, wildlife preservation, and environmental protection have always participated.
Supported under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the exhibition has grown in attendance, repute and popularity since its inception in 2003. This year, 630 exhibitors from over 40 countries took part, and over 100,000 visitors came from around the world.
“ADIHEX is a platform to show the preservation of our culture. A greater emphasis on handicrafts was placed this year”, said Abdullah Butti Al-Qubaisi, director of ADIHEX 2012.
As part of preserving regional hunting traditions, ADIHEX has been providing an international platform yearly for product launches and special limited editions by companies who produce exclusive weaponry.
“Weapons are displayed as handicrafts for many of our VIP customers. These are sold as a piece of art, not a weapon. In the UAE people buy them as gifts, trophies, or to use in dedicated arenas,” Qubaisi added.
Some of the exhibitors included German weapons and ammunition dealer Hans Wrage and Co. GMBH, Italian shotgun makers Fausti Stephano SRL – who showcased their limited edition rifles this year – and sword maker Depaj Jewellery.
Batik Metal Crafts exhibited their B12 Abu Dhabi knife edition, a piece of exquisite artistry and craftsmanship, which took eight months and 800 stages of production to complete. The laborious carvings included flowers of the Grand Mosque with gold inlays and two diamonds.
Other handicrafts included falcon hoods, handmade perches for the falconer, and saddles.
The International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) also participated to help preserve the Houbara Bustard to maintain the tradition of falconry in the region. A special ecology museum was erected, along with presentations and a display of the Houbara in their natural habitat.
“The Houbara Bustard has been and will always be a pillar of strength in our Arabian heritage through its importance in the ancient tradition of falconry. Only through preserving and conserving this precious bird can we ensure traditional falconry is maintained in the long term”, said Director General of IFHC Mohammed Saleh Al-Baidani.
Public attractions included: the Arabic Coffee Brewing contest, falcon and saluki (a dog breed) beauty contests, and hunting competitions with between SR 45,000 and SR 100,000 in prize money. A show of purebred Arabian horses displayed the skills of Emirati riders.
Part of the organizers’ efforts to revive traditional sports was established by conducting archery sessions, shooting, horse riding and fishing workshops. The event got the youth involved by dedicating a special area to promote cultural games.
Art and poetry celebrated the famed falcons and salukis, an inherent part of the Emirati desert life. The Abu Dhabi Poetry Academy organized competitions on Nabati poems composed on mignas (hunting), describing the falcon, and the loss of a falcon. The academy also held contests for the most beautiful painting and photograph on hunting, equestrian sports and heritage.
Artworks that had deep-rooted ties with the Emirati culture, landscape and traditions were also exhibited, some of which were inspired by the previous rulers’ contribution toward the preservation of extinct desert wildlife in the UAE.
Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, chairman of the Organizing Committee and Board Member of the Emirates Falconers Club said, “We continually strive to provide platforms to highlight the cultural uniqueness of this wonderful country, in a distinct style, to our international public. ADIHEX, the only exhibition of its kind dedicated to the heritage and traditions of the Arabian Gulf region has been witnessing impressive successes year after year.”