ADIHEX 2025 draw large crowds on penultimate day celebrating UAE’s heritage traditions
Abu Dhabi, 6 September 2025: The penultimate day of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian and Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2025 continued at pace as thousands of hunting and outdoor sports enthusiasts continued to pour through the doors of the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Running until September 7, the event celebrates the rich traditions and cultural legacy of the region under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club. Organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon Holding company, ADIHEX 2025 showcases a dynamic blend of heritage, sport and innovation in on the region’s largest events of its kind.
This year marks the 22nd edition of ADIHEX, and the exhibition shows no signs of slowing down as the nine-day event begins to draw to a close. Day eight was witness to yet another remarkable turnout across the event, with all 15 sectors showcasing the UAE’s deep commitment to tradition and innovation.
The first of the final weekend of falcon auctions took place, with elite birds from local and international farms competing in both Racing and Beauty categories. Both in-person and online auctions took place, with AED 251,000 raised across seven of birds. The highest reached was AED 130,000 for a Gyr Hur – reflecting the enduring international success of this heritage event. The final falcon auction, both in-persona and online, will take place on the final day of ADIHEX, on September 7.
One of the world’s oldest and most revered dog breeds was celebrated with the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest. The competition featured male and female Saluki categories, with the most beautiful animals from across the UAE vying to be named top dog. Organised annually by the Arabian Saluki Centre, the contest celebrated the grace, speed, and intelligence of the Saluki, a loyal companion to the Bedouin people for over 5,000 years.
This year, 64 Salukis competed across categories such as Arish and Hoss males and females, with expert judges selecting the best four finalists based on rigorous criteria including physical attributes, behaviour, hunting skills, and health. The contest serves as a powerful reminder of the Saluki’s timeless bond with Emirati identity, and helps to create a deeper appreciation for the Saluki’s vital role in the region. Visitors to the Live Arena were shown a glimpse into the authentic hunting techniques and Saluki breeding practices, to honour the breed’s legacy and reinforcing its integral place in the UAE’s cultural life.
Returning for its third edition, the Emirates Arabian Horse Society (EAHS) organised the Emirati Handler Competition, where handlers showcased their horses in the Live Arena while dressed in traditional Emirati attire. Participants were judged on specific criteria, including their control of the horse, appropriate appearance and conduct that reflects the authentic heritage values of Arabian horse presentation. Winners were crowned during the award ceremony, which took place on the EAHS stand.
The eighth day opened with special artistic performances including a Japanese tea ceremony, alongside a Japanese decoden art workshop from Shed Studio, which amazed visitors with its handcrafted design aesthetics. Children enjoyed the Wild Faces workshop: Design Your Animal Mask, part of the exhibition’s creative experience series.
At the Young Falconers’ Village, young visitors learned the basics of falconry through interactive workshops simulated hunting sessions, along with art activities inspired by the falconry world.
The National Academy organised comprehensive educational workshops, along with storytelling circles focusing on desert tales. Workshops on traditional Emirati hospitality for boys and girls took place alongside sessions on positive parenting, social intelligence, child psychology, and work-life balance.
Specialist falcon vets conducted live care sessions, allowing visitors to learn about advanced diagnostic and medical care methods for these rare birds. The day ended with an exceptional event showcasing life in the Stone Age, adding a historical dimension to the exhibition’s creative experiences.
Once again, several educational sessions, presentations and workshops took place at the Knowledge Hub. Notable activities included workshops by Abu Dhabi Police to raise awareness about black points, emphasising road safety and accident analysis during separate sessions.
The Knowledge Hub also offered a captivating Adventures of Mansour event, delighting children with hands-on experiences inspired by the natural beauty and culture of the Emirates. Complementing this was the Get to Know Falcons session, which educated visitors about the unique traits of these majestic birds of prey and their vital role in Emirati heritage. Another enlightening talk, titled Falcons, Eagles, and Raptors: A Global Legacy from Abu Dhabi, emphasised the importance of preserving this valuable cultural and natural heritage.
Additional sessions focused on advancing sustainable practices in animal production, including an in-dept discussion on optimising feed management systems. Specialised workshops also provided visitors with the latest in veterinary care and equine biology.
