Abu Dhabi, 21st June 2010 — With support from the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), the Emirates Falconers Club (EFC) is organising the eighth session of the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition Abu Dhabi 2010 (ADIHEX). The Exhibition runs between the 22nd and 25th of September, 2010, and is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Gharbia (the Western Region) of Abu Dhabi, and Chairman of the EFC. It is a unique event of its kind in the Middle East.

Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Director General of ADACH and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of ADIHEX, said the event had been organised with the enthusiasm and leadership of the United Arab Emirates in order to preserve the country’s civilization and cultural heritage. It is anticipated that the event will be a great success due to the activation and promotion of the values and principles of a cultural dialogue between nations and peoples.

He stated that hunting and equestrianism are the sports favoured by UAE parents and grandparents, who were taught by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He was a pioneer in the field of sustainable hunting and the conservation of heritage and wildlife species. He paid a visit to the inaugural session of ADIHEX in 2003.

Mazrouei added that today this approach forms a substantial part of ADACH’s strategy to maintain the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi, in conjunction with directions of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and with the support and continued assistance of HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Director of ADIHEX and Director of Communication Department at ADACH, said that for the first time the Exhibition will organise the World Arabian Horse Racing Conference. Hundreds of experts, researchers and interested people from more than twenty countries from around the world will participate in this event. Those involved will discuss the various issues relating to race horses, their characteristics, affairs and breeding.

Qubaisi revealed that interest in the Exhibition is substantial, with reservations on the next session of the event exceeding 90%, despite the increased exhibition space at the previous session. He noted that 437 companies, representing twenty-eight countries, have already confirmed their participation in the ADIHEX.

Global market leaders have fully booked up the Guns ‘&’ Weaponry Hall. Amongst the international exhibitors are VO Gun ‘&’ Rifle Makers Sweden, the company that produces some the world’s most exclusive handmade rifles, used for both hunting purposes and as collectors’ items. .

In the last ADIHEX edition, VO Guns recorded rifle sales of over AED 3 million over a period of only four days. VO Guns has been an exhibitor at ADIHEX since 2003.

SSE, the exclusive distributor for Polaris in the UAE, Lebanon, Qatar, Oman and other neighbouring Gulf States, is returning to ADIHEX for another year.

The world’s largest manufacturer of all terrain vehicles, rangers, and specialized sporting equipment is showcasing the very latest in outdoor sports vehicles and apparel for 2010.

The Falcon Centre, renowned falconry breeders, will be taking part in the exhibition for the third consecutive year. Due to their unparalleled success at ADIHEX 2009, the Falcon Centre has doubled the size of its stand this year.

Also participating is the Marine and Fishing section at ADIHEX, which has always presented an exciting opportunity for fishing, diving and marine experts and enthusiasts.

For the very first time at ADIHEX, Premier for Equipment will be showcasing their helicopter, which is used for marine fishing. Marine fishing professionals and enthusiasts will be invited to explore this machine, as well as look at other types of marine fishing equipment.

Hayaari Sub, another exhibitor to return to ADIHEX, will provide visitors with the opportunity to purchase spear-fishing and free-diving gear, and register for marine, diving, and fishing excursions, certified by A.I.D.A or Apnea Academy.

ADIHEX is expected to attract a large number of visitors – around 100,000 over four days – as it is the ultimate networking opportunity; it brings together buyers, enthusiasts and leading decision makers in the industry.