Abu dhabi: The Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition kicks off tomorrow with the participation of more than 2,000 international companies. The 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) will commence on Friday, August 28th, at the ADNEC Abu Dhabi exhibition center and will run until September 6th. Held under the theme “Our Heritage, Our Pride,” this year’s exhibition extends for ten days, marking the longest duration since its inception in 2003.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the organizing committee anticipates an increase in attendance to approximately 400,000 visitors. The 2025 edition attracted around 379,572 visitors, while the 2024 edition drew 347,481 visitors from around the world. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), stated that the exhibition is expected to witness remarkable growth in participation, with the number of participating companies and brands rising to 2,405, representing 71 countries, including six participating for the first time.
The exhibition encompasses 14 specialized sectors, with the total event area increased to 107,000 square meters, reflecting growing participation and the expansion of accompanying events and activities. Significant growth was also recorded in the participation of falcon farms, whose number increased by 205% to reach 55 farms, including nine participating for the first time.
The event includes eight falcon auctions, four of which will be held before the exhibition begins, and four during the event, further solidifying the exhibition’s position as a leading global platform specializing in the falconry sector. Additionally, the Sheikh Zayed Houbara Conservation Programme will showcase its nearly five decades of achievements in protecting the houbara bustard through a joint pavilion of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation and the Ikthar Foundation for Wildlife Development. The programme’s cumulative production has exceeded one million birds, with more than 668,000 released into the wild.