The 10th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) commenced here today at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The event runs from Sept. 5- 8. The event is held under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club. Organised by the Emirates Falconers’ Club , the high profile event, which draws 630 exhibitors representing 40 countries, features many festivities and live performances such as equestrian show, falcon & saluki beauty contest, camel auction, art competitions and traditional hunting activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase the latest camping, hunting, equestrian, outdoor and marine sports equipment; as well as seeing a designated heritage area to acquaint visitors with the deep-rooted traditions of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The aim of the ADIHEX 2012 is to promote UAE’s culture and traditions to new audiences - to generate more interest, more exhibitors, more visitors, and to make Abu Dhabi the region’s Capital of Cultural Heritage. ADIHEX is an annual event that has rapidly gained international recognition and wide spread popularity in the last nine editions, attracting over 97,812 visitors from around the world in 2012 alone. Since its launch ADIHEX has grown from strength to strength and is now one of the most popular exhibitions in Abu Dhabi, encouraging, protecting and safeguarding many traditional values of the Emirates. These values are reflected in many of the activities that dominated life in the region: horsemanship, falconry, hunting, fishing and the arts and crafts, that supports and revolves around them. ADIHEX is organised by the Emirates Falconers’ Club in collaboration with Informa Group and supported by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi). It is sponsored by H. H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for Pure-bred Arabian Horses, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Investment Company, Tawazun and others.