The Higher Organizing Committee of the 17th Edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) announced event features that are offered for the first time at the event including several recreational and cultural activities for families to enjoy. The exhibition is held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of Emirates Falconers' Club at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) on Aug. 27-31, 2019. This year's edition of ADIHEX will be held under the slogan "Together to Consolidate Sustainable Hunting Initiatives," amidst new activities designed to promote the dissemination of sustainable hunting concepts and culture among audiences from around the world. All of this is with the higher aim of facilitating an ecological balance between hunting and the different life cycles of all kinds of wild prey. The exhibition this year is expected to be the largest of its kind in the field of hunting, equestrian and cultural heritage preservation. It will witness participation of more than 650 companies and exhibitors from the UAE, GCC and beyond making it an unprecedented international event. Leading suppliers and manufacturers from over 40 countries will be presenting their products in 11 main sectors of the exhibition in an area of more than 40 thousand square meters. Majid Al Mansoori, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers' Club and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, said, "the 17th edition of ADIHEX launches new event features that are specifically designed for both the trade buyers and the general public to have a spectacular time with their peers and families at the biggest and most prominent public event in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi this summer." Al Mansoori explained that this year's edition of ADIHEX is under the slogan "Together to Consolidate Sustainable Hunting Initiatives," where activities are devoted to highlight the concepts of tolerance and their supreme values. These values have always distinguished the people of the UAE through their civilizational path. This comes in line with the announcement of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE that 2019 is the Year of Tolerance. The announcement by the President is aligned with the human legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE and the First Environmentalist who endorsed great human values, which have become the basis of the UAE's multi-cultural society. The activities and events of the upcoming edition of ADIHEX include many competitions, cultural and recreational activities for children, such as workshops and games included in the Knowledge Corner for Children. Also this year will see the return of the "Treasure Hunt" which includes questions and answers about the Year of Tolerance that would promote a culture of tolerance among children. The Higher Organizing Committee ensures the creation of activities for children with educational aspects to suit different ages and nationalities, so that visitors can experience a leisurely and informative tour at the same time. Visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in activities surrounding the UAE heritage and all of its authentic traditions. The Mohammed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School will also provide at ADIHEX an opportunity for children to be introduced to the ancient heritage of the sport of falconry, which is one of the most prominent features of the heritage and history of the UAE. In addition to learning about equestrian skills and riding arts, the activities for children also include educational workshops where visitors can learn about the names of the Arabian horses to develop their knowledge of equestrian sports. Last but not the least are event features that will surely offer the attendees who attend in groups a great time at the show. These include Connect with Nature, an escape room designed to promote team work among players; a virtual reality feature that allows you to experience horse riding and grooming with a partner and a cinema theatre that offers edutainment for kids of all ages. The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is organized by Emirates Falconers' Club. — SG
