Emirati culture, falconry and equestrian traditions have taken centre stage in Abu Dhabi as the 23rd Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition opened its largest edition yet, drawing exhibitors and visitors from across the world.The 10-day Adihex 2026, which began on Friday at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and runs until September 6, has expanded in duration and scale following strong demand for previous editions. More than 2,400 exhibitors and brands from 71 countries are participating, reinforcing the event’s position as one of the world’s biggest gatherings devoted to hunting, equestrian pursuits, heritage and outdoor sports.
This year’s exhibition covers about 107,000 square metres, 17 per cent more space than in 2025. Participation has also risen by roughly 17 per cent, while six countries are taking part for the first time. Organisers have divided the event into 15 sectors covering falconry, equestrian activities, hunting equipment, outdoor recreation, fishing, marine sports, traditional crafts and heritage preservation.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the exhibition is organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the club.
Falconry remains at the heart of the programme, reflecting its continuing importance in Emirati cultural identity. Visitors can see prized birds, meet breeders and learn about the traditions associated with falcon training and care. Falcon auctions have also become a major commercial component of Adihex, attracting collectors and breeders from the Gulf and beyond.
Eight falcon auctions are scheduled around this year’s edition, including four held before the exhibition and four during its 10-day run. Fifty-five falcon farms are participating, an increase of about 20 per cent from last year, with nine farms making their first appearance. The 2025 auction series generated more than Dh9.2 million in sales and saw 270 birds awarded the Adihex quality badge.
The auctions have also moved further into the digital marketplace. An online bidding facility allows buyers outside Abu Dhabi to participate in real time, broadening access to a market that has traditionally depended heavily on physical attendance and relationships between breeders and enthusiasts.
Alongside falconry, equestrian displays provide another link between the UAE’s sporting heritage and contemporary leisure industry. Horses and horsemanship occupy a prominent part of the exhibition, with demonstrations, competitions and specialist equipment highlighting the continuing appeal of equestrian sport among younger generations.
Traditional Emirati crafts, hunting practices and desert skills are being presented alongside modern technology. The combination has become a defining feature of Adihex, allowing visitors to see how heritage activities are adapting to advances in equipment, animal welfare, conservation and sustainability.
More than 40 cultural and entertainment activities have been scheduled during the exhibition, with programmes aimed at families as well as professional visitors. Displays and workshops are designed to introduce children to falconry, horses, traditional craftsmanship and the relationship between desert communities and their natural environment.
The exhibition also functions as a major commercial platform. Manufacturers and distributors are displaying outdoor equipment, camping products, sporting firearms, marine products and specialist gear, while business zones offer opportunities for manufacturers, retailers, collectors and government buyers to meet.
Conservation has increasingly become part of the event’s message as hunting traditions face greater scrutiny over wildlife protection and environmental sustainability. Falconry organisations and conservation bodies have used Adihex to promote responsible practices, captive breeding programmes and protection of wild species and habitats.
Falconry was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010 through a multinational nomination involving the UAE and several other countries. The recognition helped strengthen efforts to preserve traditional knowledge while placing greater emphasis on sustainable practices and transmission of the sport between generations.
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