Adihex to celebrate the Year of Zayed
abu dhabi — A collection of 3,000 rare pictures of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan will be displayed at this year’s Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex), in celebration of the ‘Year of Zayed’ and in memory of the former UAE president’s great love for the heritage sport.
The 16th edition of Adihex will run from September 25 to 29 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec).
Majid Ali Al Mansouri, chairman of the higher organising committee of Adihex and secretary-general of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, said on Tuesday: “We are celebrating Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and memory at this year’s special edition of Adihex, which seeks to blend culture, knowledge, generosity, human development and work for the sustainability of natural and heritage resources.
“And because of his love for the heritage sport, this year’s exhibition brings to its visitors the largest exhibition of Sheikh Zayed’s photos while on various falconry hunting trips across the world.”
Al Mansouri added that Sheikh Zayed was the first falconer and one of the most distinguished conservationists and a pioneer of environmental protection.
The exhibition will see 3,000 special photos of Sheikh Zayed, most of which are being shown for the first time. They will be displayed on 450sq-metre board at the exhibition for visitors to see.
Sheikh Zayed’s personal photographer Mohammed Al Khalid took the pictures during Sheikh Zayed’s hunting trips in different parts of the world, from 1974 to 2004.
Visitors of the exhibition will also get a chance to write their comments and expressions about Sheikh Zayed on a big board that will be placed near his photo exhibition. These comments will later be put together into a book.
“The exhibition will give us the opportunity to showcase the most important initiatives and activities that highlights Sheikh Zayed’s personality and his love to promote and spread cultural and human heritage,” added Al Mansouri.
The activities and events at the exhibition will be within the framework of hunting, equestrian and heritage.
Omar Fuad Ahmed, member of the organising committee of Adihex and projects manager at the Emirates Falconers Club, said this
year’s event will witness a series of activities and events such as the Arabian Saluki, as well as recreational and heritage activities.
“The exhibition also features live performances such as beauty shows and live shows for horses, K9 dogs, birds and falcons. Additionally there are art exhibitions, photo galleries and falconry. Adihex 2018 also boasts heritage workshops and many other activities including marine sports in addition to arts and crafts,” he added. There will also be a Kid’s Knowledge Area with activities organised in cooperation with the Mohammed Bin Zayed School of Falconry and Desert Physiognomy, the Dhabian Equestrian Club and the International Fund for Houbara Conservation.
This year’s Adihex brings together more than 650 companies and commercial firms from more than 40 countries, including 170 local exhibitors, 164 international exhibitors and 61 new exhibitors. It covers a total area of more than 40,000 square metre.
And because of his love for the heritage sport, this year’s exhibition brings to its visitors the largest exhibition of Sheikh Zayed’s photos while on various falconry hunting trips across the world.” Majid Ali Al Mansouri, chairman, higher organising committee, Adihex