Outdoor Gear Sales Soar at Abu Dhabi Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition

Abu Dhabi's Hunting and Equestrian Show Emerges as UAE's Premier Outdoor Gear Marketplace

The 2025 Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition has become a critical commercial platform for outdoor equipment suppliers, with participating companies reporting sales increases of over 25% compared to last year. The event's growing influence reflects the UAE's expanding outdoor recreation market and positions Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for adventure tourism commerce.

Record Sales Growth Signals Market Maturation

Multiple exhibitors confirmed significant revenue increases during this year's exhibition, with camping and travel equipment experiencing particularly strong demand. Jasim Al Qayedi, partner at Al Ghafa Travel Supplies, reported that his company's sales doubled compared to their previous participation, marking their second year at the event.

The growth extends beyond the exhibition floor. Mustafa Ali, sales manager at Al Bawadi Travel Supplies, noted that demand continues rising across the company's five UAE branches even after the show concludes, indicating sustained market momentum rather than temporary exhibition-driven spikes.

Strategic Platform for Market Entry and Brand Building

The exhibition has evolved from a simple trade show into a strategic gateway for accessing UAE and regional markets. Companies are increasingly viewing participation as essential for brand recognition rather than merely direct sales opportunities.

Al Bawadi's consistent six-year participation demonstrates the event's reliability as a marketing platform. This year, over 50% of their displayed products were new launches, suggesting the exhibition has become a preferred venue for product introductions in the Middle East outdoor equipment sector.

Long-term Commitment Reflects Market Confidence

Omar Ibrahim from Al Gharbia Tents and Travel Supplies exemplifies this strategic approach, having participated since the exhibition's 2012 inception without missing a single edition. This consistency indicates that established players view the event as fundamental infrastructure for market presence rather than optional marketing activity.

UAE's Growing Outdoor Recreation Economy

The exhibition's success mirrors broader trends in the UAE's diversification strategy. As the country develops its tourism sector beyond traditional luxury offerings, outdoor recreation represents a growing market segment. The consistent increase in participating companies and visitor numbers suggests this sector is approaching maturity.

This growth pattern resembles developments in other Gulf states, where outdoor recreation has become increasingly popular among both residents and tourists. However, Abu Dhabi's positioning as a regional exhibition center gives it potential advantages in capturing broader Middle Eastern market share.

Market Implications and Future Outlook

The 25% year-over-year sales growth reported by exhibitors significantly exceeds typical retail sector growth rates, indicating either market expansion or successful market capture by exhibition participants. For investors and industry stakeholders, this suggests the UAE outdoor equipment market remains in a growth phase with room for additional players.

The exhibition's role in facilitating market entry for both domestic and international companies positions Abu Dhabi as an increasingly important commercial hub for the outdoor recreation industry across the broader Middle East region. This development aligns with the UAE's broader economic diversification objectives and its ambitions to become a regional business center across multiple sectors.