The Higher Organizing Committee of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) continues to reveal the criteria for the series of specialized competitions that it has launched for the next edition (ADIHEX 2021), to enhance efforts to preserve heritage and authentic traditions, conserve the environment, promote sustainable hunting, highlight the exhibition’s theme “Sustainability & Heritage ... A Reborn Aspiration” and attract inventors of all nationalities. 

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 ADIHEX will be held from September 27 to October 3, 2021, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). 

The exhibition is Organized by the Emirates Falconers’ Club and officially sponsored by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Valuable monetary and non-monetary prizes will be awarded to the winners, who will be declared during the exhibition, while the application deadline is at the end of August.

The Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club said the initiative aims to introduce younger generations to the cultural, civilizational, and environmental heritage of their fathers and forefathers and instil in them the importance of preserving the environment. Moreover, it aims to attract creative people from all over the world to discover the passion of contemporary man for developing authentic sports, documenting them, and highlighting their common social and cultural importance through a variety of innovative artistic, literary, and cultural styles. 

The contest entitled ‘Best Research on Hunting and Equestrian Activities Among Arabs’ invites and encourages researchers and specialists in the field of heritage, and spreads the message of ADIHEX which highlights the importance of protecting the environment, preserving cultural heritage, ensuring the sustainability of hunting, and promoting Abu Dhabi as an authentic cultural destination. It motivates researchers to invent and document the ancient heritage of the region, particularly in the field of falconry, one of the most important elements of heritage in the UAE and the Arab Gulf region.

Participation is open to youth of all nationalities (between 20-28 years old) in both, Arabic and English languages, with prizes awarded to each category. For participation, competitors must present a research which deals with one of the aspects of Arab hunting and equestrian culture that has not been previously published or already been awarded an Arab or international prize. 

The judging panel may withhold any prize if it does not receive research papers that meet the required standards. 

The ‘Best Invention in Falconry and Hunting’ and the ‘Best-Equipped Vehicle for Hunting Trips’ contests aim to encourage individuals, owners of falconry companies, and manufacturers of hunting equipment to present creative ideas and inventions that serve the world of hunting, falconry, falcon training, and safari trips. The contests are also keen on motivating the inventors to present their innovations for the benefit of falconers and hunting enthusiasts, and to exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences, as well as strengthening relations between local and international companies to further support efforts to preserve the sport of falconry and pass on the sports of the fathers and forefathers to younger generations. 

The two competitions are open to all exhibitors and participants in ADIHEX, provided that the innovation is new and has not been featured in a previous competition. It should also provide a tangible service to falconers, enthusiasts, and safari organizers, must be presented for the first time at ADIHEX, reasonably priced and accessible to all.

Participation is open to both individuals and companies of all nationalities. The invention must be produced during the last 4years, and reflects the cultural heritage of mankind, helps falconers and hunters save time and efforts and adapt to nature. It should be useful and provides an innovative service to falconers, hunting and outdoor trips enthusiasts.

The richness and comprehensiveness of ADIHEX is evident in its 11 diverse sectors: Arts and Crafts, Equestrian, Falconry, Hunting Tourism and Safari, Hunting and Camping Equipment, Hunting Guns, Promotion and Preservation of Environment and Cultural Heritage, Outdoor Leisure Vehicles and Equipment, Veterinary Products and Services, Fishing Equipment and Marine Sports, and Media.

- All applications with the completed forms for each competition must be submitted by e-mail to the Emirates Falconers’ Club at competitions@adihex.com