Non-Emiratis to be allowed to buy hunting weapons at UAE event

This year's edition has plenty of activities in store for children.

For the first time in the history of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex), non-Emiratis will be allowed to buy hunting weapons and equipment. Emiratis aged 21 and above can buy three weapons from the exhibition, the higher organising committee announced on Wednesday.

"Non-Emiratis will be allowed to buy and own weapons, provided they have a licence and a no-objection certificate from the police departments in their respective countries," said Majid Al Mansouri, secretary-general of the Emirates Falconers' Club and chairman of the higher organising committee.

The licence should mention the number and the kinds of weapons the visitor is permitted to own, and also explain how they will export it to their countries from Abu Dhabi. "This is a special edition of the event as previously only Emiratis were allowed to buy weapons," Al Mansouri added.

The 17^th edition of the event will feature 11 sectors: Arts and crafts, equestrian activities, falconry, hunting and camping equipment, hunting guns, hunting tourism and safari, outdoor leisure vehicles and equipment, promotion and preservation of cultural heritage, veterinary products and services, fishing and marine sports and media. Additionally, an arena will showcase horses, camels and dogs. 

Activities for kids

This year's edition has plenty of activities in store for children. The exhibition will introduce the little ones to the UAE's heritage sport of falconry. They will learn about equestrian skills and sports, and riding arts.

The Adihex will run from August 27 to 31 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec). New activities have been designed to promote sustainable hunting concepts among visitors. The aim is to facilitate an "ecological balance" between hunting and the different life cycles of wild prey.

Al Mansouri added: "This year's dates of the event suit hunting and falconry enthusiasts as it marks the beginning of the hunting season."

He said all the companies specialised in selling hunting weapons will benefit this year from the "new and seamless processes" that are being provided for the first time.

The five-day exhibition is the largest of its kind in the field of hunting, equestrian and cultural heritage preservation. More than 650 companies and exhibitors from the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond will be part of the event.

Dog shows, falcon auctions and more ... What's new at Adihex

>Over 200 dogs from 15 countries will be part of a dog show

>A falcon auction will be held every day

>Competitions and cultural and recreational activities

>Live shows involving horses and camels

>Nabati poetry, art and photography competitions

>Competitions and prizes worth Dh1 million

>Conference on 'illegal trafficking of birds of prey'