Sheikh Hamdan explores largest-ever ADIHEX 2026 edition in Abu Dhabi
Expanded event features 15 sectors and participation from UAE and abroad
ABU DHABI – His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, visited the 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2026) at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
Held under the theme ‘A Legacy of Pride’, the exhibition brings together heritage, specialised industries, technology and outdoor pursuits. The 10-day event is running until 6 September and marks the largest edition in ADIHEX’s history.
During his visit, Sheikh Hamdan underscored the importance of preserving the UAE’s heritage and ensuring its values and traditions are passed on to future generations. He highlighted heritage as a cornerstone of national identity and stressed the importance of safeguarding the country’s legacy while using innovation and technology to support its sustainability.
“The UAE’s heritage is a cornerstone of our national identity, and preserving it is a responsibility passed down through generations,” Sheikh Hamdan said. He added that the UAE remains committed to protecting its rich legacy while embracing innovation and technology, strengthening its position as a global model that honours its past while looking towards the future.
He also said ADIHEX reflects the UAE’s approach of making heritage an enduring source of inspiration for development. According to Sheikh Hamdan, the exhibition combines cultural heritage with advanced industries and innovation while providing an international platform for knowledge exchange and the continued development of the hunting and equestrian sectors.
Exhibition tour
Sheikh Hamdan toured several national and international pavilions during the visit, accompanied by Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, along with a number of senior officials.
During the tour, he was briefed on products, technologies and specialised solutions covering hunting, equestrianism, falconry and outdoor activities. The briefings also covered initiatives focused on cultural heritage preservation and the application of advanced technologies in related industries.
His Highness visited the pavilions of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, ekthar, Bin Hayai Center for Houbara and Wild Rabbit Breeding, Al Marzoom Hunting Reserve, CARACAL, INPEX, UAE Biotech Research Center, Gulf Falcons and Sawari.
The pavilions showcased initiatives, innovations and technologies linked to wildlife conservation, falconry and sustainable hunting, highlighting the range of activities and expertise represented at the exhibition.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted ADIHEX’s growing stature as an international platform connecting experts, enthusiasts, companies and leading brands from around the world. The exhibition also provides an avenue for showcasing the UAE’s heritage and facilitating knowledge exchange across hunting, equestrianism and falconry.
He commended the organisers for the exhibition’s continued development, noting the scale of participation and diversity of sectors and activities featured in this year’s edition.
Record scale
ADIHEX 2026 occupies all halls and facilities at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi for the first time, making it the largest edition since the exhibition was launched. Its expanded 10-day programme reflects the event’s growth in scale, participation and activities.
Organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the exhibition features 15 specialised sectors covering hunting, equestrianism, falconry, heritage preservation, camping and outdoor activities.
Companies, organisations and specialised brands from the UAE and abroad are participating across the sectors, while visitors can explore a broad programme of cultural and heritage activities, interactive experiences, products and the latest technological solutions.
The event also continues to provide a platform for developments spanning wildlife conservation, falconry, sustainable hunting and equestrian pursuits, alongside opportunities for industry participants and enthusiasts to exchange knowledge and explore emerging technologies.