Prizes worth Dh1 million up for grabs at a hunting show in UAE

The 17th edition of the event features many firsts.

Prizes worth Dh1 million will be up for grabs at various competitions at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex), which kicks off on August 27. The contests will test the knowledge and skills of the visitors in fields related to horses, camels, photography, Nabati poetry and art, organisers announced on Wednesday.

The 17^th edition of the event features many firsts. A dog show showcasing over 200 dogs from 15 countries will be held. Also for the first time, a falcon auction will be organised every day.

As Khaleej Times reported previously, non-Emiratis will be allowed to buy hunting weapons and equipment. Organisers revealed more details about this as they addressed a Press conference.

Majid Al Mansouri, secretary-general of the Emirates Falconers' Club and chairman of the higher organising committee, said: "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.

"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. Previously, only Emiratis were allowed to buy weapons."

Emiratis aged 21 and above can buy three weapons from the exhibition.

The event will feature 11 sectors: Arts and crafts, equestrian activities, falconry, camping equipment, hunting guns, hunting tourism and safari, 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. It 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 till August 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.