Live performances, activities, and judging sessions for beauty contests.

A quantum leap in the equine events at Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition

Abu Dhabi, July 03, 2021

Equestrian is an essential and pivotal sector in Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian since its establishment in 2003 and has witnessed a remarkable development in the last editions of ADIHEX, which represents the big efforts of UAE in preserving heritage sports and authentic traditions and introducing the importance of the purebred Arabian horses to people around the world.

The next edition of ADIHEX witnesses the participation of a wide range of regional companies specialized in the manufacture of riding supplies, trailers, horse boxes, horseshoes, saddles, horse bridles, nutritional supplements and feed, horse riding clothes and shoes, in addition to equestrian skills schools.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the 18th edition of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition “ADIHEX 2021” will be organized by the Emirates Falconers’ Club from September 27 to October 3,2021, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). 

It is officially sponsored by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee and Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, emphasized the importance of the purebred Arabian horses and their races, and the keenness to continue developing this heritage sport of which the UAE is proud of and  has succeeded in establishing its global footprint in the development of equestrianism, pointing out that ADIHEX became an annual renewed opportunity to celebrate the leadership of the Emirates in this field.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, had a great and remarkable role in breeding and acquiring purebred Arabian horses, and launching their races and championships inside the UAE and around the world. As adherence to and interest in purebred Arabian horses is one of the most important pillars of Arab heritage and values, he was keen, may God have mercy on him, to organize, attend and encourage these races, and today they remain strongly present in the history, present and future of sports and heritage festivals.

At the top of this year's equestrian activities, a distinguished participation of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society, presenting the beauty of Arabian horses in the Arena, there will be a commentator specialized in presenting the Arabian horses and its beauty to the public and informing them about its advantages and capabilities. 

The association is also organizing, under the supervision of the European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations (ECAHO), a theoretical and practical course in the adjudication of horse beauty, for UAE nationals. Practical training will be provided in both Arabic and English in the Arena using modern technologies such as Augmented reality, enabling the audience to interact with information.

Once again, Amru Al-Abidi will present a workshop on how to train your Equine and solve their problems, which mainly includes a session on "Learning how to speak the language of horses", as he believes that natural equestrianism is the art of understanding the horse through body language and voice, and making sure he sees, hears, and treats his coach as a boss through communicative gestures.

Exciting shows will be presented by the Boudheib Equestrian Academy, which are expected as in previous editions, to attract daily a large number of audiences. These features aim to train Emirati youth about the art of dealing with horses and all forms of equestrian sports.

Zayed Higher Organization is continuing this year to present the purposeful "Hypotherapy demonstrations", whereas horse riding therapy has long been used as a form of dealing with people of determination and treating those who suffer from physical disabilities. 

A rich bundle of fun activities offered to the visitors of ADIHEX by Dhabian Equestrian Club, including the beautiful equestrian musical ride, as well as horse and pony riding sessions for those who wish to participate in the Arena, and the "Gymkhana" for people of determination, which includes interesting games on horseback that allow them to enjoy their time in a safe environment. This is in addition to archery shows on horseback and other live performances.

Abu Dhabi Police Equine and K9 horse units, in collaboration with Dhabian Equestrian Club, are presenting live performances that demonstrate how horses and dogs are used to protect family and community members and maintain security and safety in the UAE, reflecting the efficiency and excellence of the UAE police forces.

A cultural /historical overview

Horses have been associated with authentic Arab values since ancient times. They are a symbol of chivalry, courage in life, poetry, and pride in the Arabian Peninsula. The Arabian horse is characterized by strength, beauty, speed, and tremendous patience, as well as enduring hunger and thirst, and adapting to hot weather. With obedience, familiarity, loyalty, and due to its features and the purity of its breed, it was used to impart good and desirable qualities to most of the horse breeds in the world.

For decades, people of the Emirates have been known for their interest in horses as one of the most prominent elements of connection with Arab values. Over ages, this interest has developed to be linked to national identity and authenticity of belonging by knowing the ancient breeds that, in their lineage, return to Arab origins.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, was interested in acquiring the best breeds of purebred Arabian horses. Based on his extensive experience and knowledge, he believed that it was a cause of goodness, optimism, and serenity of soul.

He, may God have mercy on him, encouraged the establishment of horse races in the Emirates and other countries around the world, he stipulated that the participant in those races must present a certificate proving the Arabism and authenticity of the horse to preserve the purity of its origin.

To this day, French owners of horses still owe thanks to Sheikh Zayed for the entry of purebred Arabian horses into the French tracks since 1994, specifically the city of " Chantilly ", and from there, it moved to other racetracks in all Europe.

- For more information:

Ranim Shehade / EFC

00971 – 2 – 6934444 / ext. 370

pr@adihex.com