The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, known as ADIHEX, has opened its largest ever edition at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The event runs from August 30 to September 7, 2025, and is expected to attract thousands of visitors from across the world. This year’s edition is not only the biggest in scale but also the most diverse in content, bringing together culture, tradition, innovation, and sustainability on one platform.

Organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the exhibition is supported by the Emirates Falconers’ Club and ADNEC Group. Over the years, ADIHEX has become a major international event, but in 2025 it reaches new heights by offering visitors a wider range of experiences than ever before. The event spreads across more than ninety-two thousand square meters of exhibition space and features over two thousand brands from sixty-eight countries, marking a twenty-one percent increase in participation compared to last year.

A Comprehensive Showcase of Sectors

One of the biggest attractions of ADIHEX 2025 is the wide range of sectors on display. The exhibition has grown into a massive platform where heritage and technology stand side by side. The sports guns and shooting equipment sector presents firearms, ammunition, and accessories for enthusiasts and professionals. The equestrian sector highlights the deep connection between Arabian culture and horses, a bond that has lasted for centuries.

Visitors interested in outdoor activities can explore the fishing and marine sports sector, which offers the latest equipment for angling and water adventures. The hunting and camping section showcases tools and supplies needed for expeditions into the desert and wilderness. The outdoor leisure vehicle sector displays the newest innovations in adventure vehicles, while the caravans and recreational vehicle area presents lifestyle solutions for travelers who enjoy mobility and exploration.

New Additions for 2025

This year, ADIHEX introduces four new sectors that add even more richness to the exhibition. The camel sector celebrates the historical role of camels in the Arabian Peninsula and highlights their continuing importance in heritage and culture. The Arabian Saluki sector is dedicated to the hunting dogs that have been admired in the region for their speed, intelligence, and loyalty. A knives sector has been launched to display traditional and modern hunting knives, which hold both cultural and practical value.

These new additions reflect the organizers’ goal of making ADIHEX not just an exhibition but a cultural journey. Each sector offers something unique, and together they create a complete picture of Emirati heritage blended with modern innovation.

Falconry at the Forefront

Falconry remains the beating heart of ADIHEX. This tradition is deeply rooted in Emirati identity, and the exhibition highlights it with record participation.The number of falcon farms taking part has risen to forty-six, a massive increase from just eleven in 2024. This represents more than a three-hundred percent growth and reflects the rising global interest in falconry.

One of the highlights of this year is the sale of a rare American all-white Garmousha Pure falcon, which was auctioned for an extraordinary price of three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The popularity of the auctions proves that falconry continues to thrive as a cultural and sporting practice, while also adapting to modern methods of breeding, training, and conservation.

Experiences for Families and Children

ADIHEX is designed not only for professionals and traders but also for families. A special attraction called the Little Falconer Village has been created for children. Here, young visitors can learn about the traditions of Arabic coffee, majlis etiquette, and heritage crafts. These activities are designed to connect children with their roots while also providing international visitors with an authentic cultural experience.

Cultural heritage zones across the exhibition include storytelling sessions, live performances, and displays of Emirati traditions. The presence of these interactive areas ensures that ADIHEX is not only an exhibition but also a cultural festival where history and modern life come together.

Focus on Knowledge and Innovation

A major focus of ADIHEX 2025 is education and innovation. The exhibition has created a Knowledge Centre where experts gather to discuss new ideas and share research. Topics include artificial intelligence in conservation, genetic research on falcons, the use of drones in wildlife tracking, and smart hunting technologies. There are also discussions on equestrian advancements, environmental conservation, and sustainable farming.

The Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research has been selected as the Knowledge Partner for this year’s event. Their involvement strengthens the educational dimension of ADIHEX and highlights the UAE’s commitment to promoting research, innovation, and leadership. By combining heritage with modern knowledge, the exhibition shows how tradition can evolve while still holding on to its values.

Showcasing Emirati Craftsmanship

The exhibition also shines a spotlight on local industries. One of the most notable contributions comes from CARACAL, the leading firearms manufacturer in the UAE. As the official weaponry sponsor, CARACAL is showcasing a range of locally made pistols, rifles, and ammunition. Through its German brand Merkel, it also displays luxury hunting rifles that combine craftsmanship with cultural artistry.

These displays are not just about business but also about identity. They demonstrate how the UAE is building world-class industries while staying true to its heritage.

Economic Impact and Opportunities

ADIHEX contributes greatly to Abu Dhabi’s economy. In 2024, the event generated more than half a billion dirhams in economic activity. With record growth in 2025, the economic impact is expected to be even higher. The exhibition provides opportunities for businesses to showcase their products, form partnerships, and enter new markets. The event also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for international exhibitions and cultural gatherings. By attracting global participants and investors, ADIHEX enhances the emirate’s reputation on the world stage.

Preserving Heritage for Future Generations

ADIHEX is not only an exhibition of products and technologies but also a mission to preserve heritage for future generations. Conservation programs for species like the houbara bustard and the Arabian oryx are part of the activities. Awareness sessions on regulated hunting, water conservation, and protecting natural habitats ensure that traditions are carried out responsibly.

Children’s workshops and youth initiatives are designed to pass knowledge from one generation to another. This approach ensures that while traditions such as falconry and horsemanship remain alive, they are practiced with respect for nature and sustainability.

ADIHEX 2025 Marks a Milestone for Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2025 is a true celebration of heritage and innovation. It brings together falcons, camels, Saluki dogs, horses, crafts, technology, and conservation efforts under one roof. It provides entertainment, education, and business opportunities for people of all ages and from all parts of the world.

For Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, the exhibition is a source of pride and a reflection of vision. It shows how the country values its history while investing in the future. With record participation, record-breaking auctions, and an atmosphere of learning and cultural exchange, ADIHEX 2025 proves once again why it is considered one of the most important exhibitions of its kind anywhere in the world.