Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed al-Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club, supported by The Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee, and organised by the Emirates Falconers Club at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the 13th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Abu Dhabi 2015), was launched today and will conclude on 12th September.

ADIHEX is the only dedicated hunting, equestrian, and outdoor sports exhibition in the region. Showcasing the authentic heritage, the event enhances Abu Dhabi's leading role in promoting its own heritage.

The event also enjoys support of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, and is held under the auspices of the H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Festival for Global Purebred Arabian Horses, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

The popularity of the event reflects the success of fairs and festivals that preserve and protect the heritage apart from raising awareness on protecting the environment. These activities get support from the leadership. They were recognised five years ago after falconry was included in the representative List of Cultural Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

The support of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and continuous follow-up by the sponsor of the exhibition, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed, is deemed vital for the promotion and revival of the UAE’s heritage and preservation of the pillars of authentic Arab heritage in general and for the exhibition in particular. This backing has been a major reason for the continuing successes of ADIHEX editions in terms of quality and quantity development.

The area of the current edition has been expanded in the light of participation of noted exhibitors from different continents with more than 120,000 visitors, and featuring a wide variety of products encompassing hunting, equestrian equipment and heritage and artistic sessions, cultural and sports, associated with heritage consistent with the spirit of the show and its objectives.

Over 650 companies from 40 countries are taking part in the largest exhibition in the history of the show, which is spread over an area of approximately 41,000 square metres, in addition to the participation of more than 125 local companies and public institutions.

The exhibition, which was launched in 2003 under the guidance of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, continues to be one of the world’s most important annual heritage events