Exciting Events and Innovative Activities at Abu Dhabi Equestrian and Hunting Festival, Sponsored by Hamdan bin Zayed.

Abu Dhabi's Mega Heritage Show Signals UAE's Cultural Tourism Ambitions

The 22nd Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2025 has launched as the largest edition in its history, spanning over 92,000 square meters and attracting more than 2,068 companies worldwide. Under the theme "Renewing Heritage," the nine-day event represents the UAE's strategic push to position itself as a global hub for cultural tourism while preserving Bedouin traditions in an increasingly modern economy.

Scale and Strategic Significance

Running until September 7, 2025, at ADNEC Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this year's exhibition marks a significant expansion in both size and scope. The event's growth trajectory mirrors the UAE's broader economic diversification strategy, moving beyond oil dependency toward tourism, culture, and entertainment sectors.

The exhibition's Arena Shows zone serves as the event's centerpiece, featuring live auctions, interactive workshops, and performances spanning falconry, equestrian arts, camel racing, and Arabian Saluki dog competitions. This comprehensive approach reflects the UAE's understanding that cultural preservation requires active engagement rather than passive display.

High-Stakes Heritage Markets

Record-Breaking Livestock Auctions

The commercial aspect of ADIHEX reveals the substantial economic value embedded in traditional practices. The 2024 camel auction alone generated over 2.5 million AED ($680,000), indicating robust demand for purebred livestock among collectors and racing enthusiasts.

This year introduces the first-ever purebred Arabian horse auction on September 5, expanding the event's luxury market appeal. The inclusion of detailed genealogical information for each animal demonstrates the sophisticated breeding industry that has developed around these traditional practices.

Falconry's Premium Position

The falcon beauty competition on September 4, featuring birds under one year old across three categories (Gyr-Saker, Pure Gyr, and Peregrine), highlights falconry's continued cultural significance. New additions include Mongolian eagle hunting demonstrations, broadening the exhibition's international scope while maintaining its Middle Eastern roots.

Cultural Diplomacy Through Tradition

The participation of Jordan's Camel Corps forces adds a regional diplomatic dimension, showcasing traditional Bedouin camel-riding techniques while emphasizing the shared heritage across Arab nations. This collaboration strengthens cultural ties while demonstrating the practical applications of traditional skills in modern contexts.

Hollywood-trained performer Ali Al Ameri, known as the "Horse Whisperer," brings international production values to the "Horse Master Liberty" show, illustrating how traditional equestrian arts can achieve global appeal without losing authenticity.

Tourism Strategy in Action

ADIHEX represents more than cultural preservation—it's a calculated move in the UAE's tourism diversification strategy. While Dubai focuses on luxury shopping and entertainment, Abu Dhabi is carving out a niche in cultural and heritage tourism, competing with established players like Qatar's cultural initiatives and Saudi Arabia's NEOM project.

The exhibition's family-friendly programming, including interactive dog training demonstrations and educational workshops, targets the growing experiential tourism market. This approach aligns with global tourism trends favoring authentic, immersive experiences over passive sightseeing.

Economic Impact and Future Implications

The event's expansion to over 2,000 participating companies suggests strong commercial interest in heritage-based markets. For investors, ADIHEX demonstrates the UAE's ability to monetize cultural assets while maintaining authenticity—a model potentially applicable to other traditional industries.

The success of livestock auctions indicates a resilient luxury market for traditional goods, even as the region modernizes rapidly. This trend could support rural economies and traditional breeding programs across the Gulf region.

As the UAE prepares for Expo 2025 and continues positioning itself as a global cultural destination, ADIHEX serves as both a preservation effort and a strategic economic tool, proving that tradition and modernization need not be mutually exclusive in the contemporary Middle East.