Emirati Leader's Message Showcases UAE's Authentic Identity and Values to the World

Dubai Crown Prince Champions UAE's Cultural Heritage at World's Largest Hunting and Equestrian Expo

The UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for traditional sports and cultural preservation as Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited the 22nd Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. The event, spanning 92,000 square meters with participants from 68 countries, represents the largest gathering of its kind and underscores the Emirates' strategy to blend heritage preservation with modern innovation on the world stage.

A Strategic Vision Beyond Tourism

Sheikh Hamdan's visit to the exhibition at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre reflects more than ceremonial support—it signals the UAE's deliberate positioning as a cultural bridge between East and West. His emphasis that the exhibition represents "an authentic Emirati message to the world" reveals how the leadership views cultural events as soft power instruments in an increasingly competitive regional landscape.

The Crown Prince's statement that the UAE has succeeded in becoming "a global center for equestrianism and sustainable hunting" aligns with the country's broader economic diversification strategy. As oil revenues face long-term uncertainty, cultural tourism and niche sporting events offer alternative revenue streams while reinforcing national identity.

Heritage Meets Innovation

Traditional Falconry Takes Center Stage

The "Al Meqnas" team's falconry demonstration, which Sheikh Hamdan witnessed, exemplifies the UAE's approach to cultural preservation. By presenting traditional hunting scenarios with authentic terminology and practices, the exhibition transforms ancestral knowledge into experiential tourism products. This model mirrors successful heritage commercialization strategies seen in countries like Mongolia with eagle hunting or Scotland with highland games.

Defense Industry Integration

Sheikh Hamdan's visit to the Caracal pavilion—part of the EDGE defense conglomerate—highlights an interesting convergence. The presence of advanced weapons manufacturing at a hunting exhibition demonstrates how the UAE leverages cultural events to showcase its growing defense capabilities. This dual-purpose approach maximizes international exposure for strategic industries while maintaining the event's traditional focus.

Environmental Positioning and Sustainability

The Crown Prince's emphasis on environmental protection and wildlife conservation reflects the UAE's evolving environmental narrative. As the country faces international scrutiny over its carbon footprint, positioning traditional hunting within a sustainability framework serves multiple purposes. It addresses conservation concerns while maintaining cultural authenticity—a balance that countries like Botswana and Namibia have successfully achieved with wildlife tourism.

This approach also resonates with global trends toward "conscious consumption" in luxury tourism, where wealthy visitors increasingly seek experiences that combine exclusivity with environmental responsibility.

Regional Competition and Market Dynamics

The exhibition's scale—68 participating countries across 92,000 square meters—positions Abu Dhabi in direct competition with established hunting and equestrian centers in Europe and North America. Saudi Arabia's similar investments in cultural tourism through projects like NEOM and AlUla suggest a regional race to capture high-value niche tourism markets.

For international exhibitors and participants, the UAE offers advantages that traditional venues cannot match: tax-free operations, world-class infrastructure, and strategic geographic positioning between Europe, Asia, and Africa. These factors make the Abu Dhabi exhibition increasingly attractive to global hunting and equestrian brands seeking Middle Eastern market access.

Economic Impact and Future Implications

The exhibition's growth trajectory—described as the largest in its 22-year history—indicates strong market demand for culturally-rooted luxury experiences. This trend benefits not only tourism operators but also local artisans and heritage product manufacturers, as evidenced by the Al Ghadeer pavilion's focus on locally-made traditional items.

Sheikh Hamdan's vision for the exhibition to remain "a model to be emulated in bringing the world together around the values of sport, environment, and heritage" suggests long-term ambitions beyond the UAE. This could signal plans for franchise exhibitions in other markets or expanded cultural diplomacy initiatives using traditional sports as vehicles.

The success of this model may influence how other Gulf states approach cultural tourism, potentially creating a new category of heritage-based luxury experiences that combine authenticity with modern amenities—a formula that could reshape the global cultural tourism landscape.