Discover the Allure of Homegrown Treasures at Riyadh's Captivating Hunting and Equestrian Expo

UAE's Hunting and Equestrian Expo Becomes Platform for National Defense Industry Growth

The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is transforming into more than just a cultural showcase—it's becoming a strategic platform for building the UAE's domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. With 552 Emirati companies participating this year, the expo represents a significant shift toward local production of hunting equipment, firearms, and specialized gear, positioning the Emirates as a regional hub for high-tech weaponry and outdoor sporting goods.

Caracal Leads UAE's Firearms Manufacturing Renaissance

At the forefront of this industrial evolution stands Caracal, the EDGE Group subsidiary that has become the UAE's flagship firearms manufacturer. The company's exhibition of locally-produced pistols, rifles, and ammunition demonstrates how the Emirates is building sophisticated defense capabilities beyond its traditional oil-based economy.

Hamad Al Ameri, Caracal's CEO, emphasized the expo's role in connecting with the region's growing sporting and hunting communities. The company showcased high-precision commercial firearms ranging from 9×19mm pistols to specialized hunting rifles, alongside locally-produced ammunition—a clear signal of the UAE's ambitions to achieve self-sufficiency in small arms production.

Cultural Heritage Meets Modern Manufacturing

Perhaps most striking is Caracal's display of three custom Merkel Helix Deluxe rifles featuring hand-engraved designs celebrating Emirati heritage. These firearms showcase Arabian horses, Al Jahili Fort, Dubai's skyline, and traditional Arabic motifs—demonstrating how the UAE is branding its defense products with cultural identity while competing in global markets.

This approach mirrors strategies employed by other arms-manufacturing nations like Germany and Italy, where luxury firearms often carry cultural and artistic significance beyond their functional purpose. For the UAE, it represents a sophisticated understanding that premium defense products require both technical excellence and cultural resonance.

Economic Diversification Through Defense Manufacturing

The surge in Emirati participation—552 companies spanning falconry, equestrian sports, hunting equipment, and marine expedition gear—reflects broader economic diversification efforts. This growth comes as Gulf states increasingly prioritize domestic defense production following regional conflicts and supply chain disruptions.

Said Al Ghafli from Binuna National Company highlighted the expo's organizational excellence and the quality of both local and international participation. This infrastructure development is crucial for establishing the UAE as a reliable defense manufacturing hub, particularly as global arms markets face increasing scrutiny and regulation.

Marine Equipment Sector Shows Strong Growth

The marine equipment and fishing gear sections experienced particularly strong visitor engagement and direct sales. Companies like Ultra Marine showcased specialized fishing platforms capable of carrying ten people, powered by diesel or electric engines—technology that has dual-use applications for both recreational and security purposes.

This dual-use potential is significant given the UAE's strategic location along critical shipping lanes and its growing role in regional maritime security. The development of domestic marine equipment manufacturing capabilities supports both civilian recreation and potential security applications.

Technology Integration and Future Applications

The Emirates Center for Research and Biotechnology's presentation of camel cloning technology, including efforts to revive the genetic lineage of the famous racing camel "Mabroukan," demonstrates how the UAE is applying cutting-edge biotechnology to preserve cultural heritage while developing advanced scientific capabilities.

Dr. Afra Al Dhaheri noted that this project represents not just cultural preservation but also a leap forward in biotechnology applications. Such capabilities have broader implications for livestock management, genetic research, and biotechnology development—sectors increasingly important for economic diversification.

Sustainability Focus Attracts Global Interest

The expo's emphasis on environmentally-friendly hunting, fishing, and outdoor sports equipment aligns with global trends toward sustainable recreation. This positioning helps UAE companies access international markets where environmental compliance is increasingly mandatory.

The integration of traditional practices like falconry with modern conservation efforts showcases how the UAE is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable outdoor recreation—a growing global market worth billions annually.

Strategic Implications for Regional Defense Markets

The expo's growth reflects broader regional trends toward defense self-sufficiency. As traditional arms suppliers face increasing restrictions and geopolitical complications, Middle Eastern nations are investing heavily in domestic production capabilities.

The UAE's approach—combining cultural heritage with high-tech manufacturing—offers a template for other Gulf states seeking to develop their own defense industries. The success of companies like Caracal demonstrates that smaller nations can compete effectively in specialized defense market segments.

For international observers, the expo signals the UAE's serious commitment to becoming a major player in global defense markets. The combination of substantial investment, cultural branding, and strategic positioning suggests this transformation will continue accelerating in coming years.