Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) concluded on 6 September 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, marking an exceptional success. The 10-day event attracted 481,576 visitors, representing a 27 per cent increase compared with the 2025 edition.
Widespread Acclaim and High-Level Attendance
The exhibition received widespread acclaim from exhibitors and visitors from the UAE and around the world. It also attracted a high-level attendance, including visits by members of the ruling family, ministers and senior officials, who toured the exhibition stands and explored the latest products, technologies and initiatives presented by participating organisations and companies from the UAE and various countries.
Their presence further reinforced the exhibition’s prominent position as an annual event celebrating the authentic heritage of the UAE and the Arab world while keeping pace with modern developments and innovations across hunting, equestrianism and traditional sports.
Largest and Most Vibrant Edition
Organised by ADNEC Group, a subsidiary of Modon, in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the 2026 edition represented a major milestone in the exhibition’s history. It was the largest and most vibrant edition since its launch in 2003, extending for the first time over 10 days in response to growing public demand and to provide a wider audience with greater opportunities to experience its diverse programme.
Held under the theme “Our Heritage, Our Pride and Glory,” the 2026 edition further strengthened ADIHEX’s position as a leading international platform reflecting the UAE’s steadfast commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting innovation in outdoor sports, hunting and sustainable hunting practices.
On the occasion, His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, said that the latest edition demonstrated the significant progress achieved in building on the exhibition’s heritage since its launch in 2003 as a heritage-focused gathering.
Coinciding with the Emirates Falconers’ Club’s 25th anniversary, he noted that the event had evolved into a leading regional platform for falconry, hunting, equestrianism and outdoor activities. He added that the record participation and major success of this year’s edition reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s global position as a strategic centre for preserving Emirati heritage in hunting, equestrianism and traditional sports, while also highlighting its role as a leading economic hub with a diverse range of sectors and activities.
Al Mansouri expressed his deep appreciation to the UAE’s wise leadership, headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for its continued support for the exhibition and its sustained success. He also extended his sincere thanks to His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club and Patron of the exhibition, for his continuous support for the prominent cultural and heritage event.
He reaffirmed the Club’s commitment to continuing its role in supporting environmental conservation efforts and promoting Emirati heritage globally through ADIHEX, which has become the Club’s most prominent annual event.
For his part, His Excellency Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said the latest edition achieved record results across all performance indicators, making it the largest edition in the exhibition’s history since its launch in 2003.
“These results would not have been possible without the extensive and unlimited support of our wise leadership, as well as the generous patronage and close follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” Al Dhaheri said, noting that this support had formed the cornerstone of the exhibition’s exceptional success.
He expressed his appreciation to all partners, exhibitors and visitors, adding that ADNEC Group looked forward to building on the achievements of the 2026 edition to further enhance the exhibition’s competitiveness and consolidate Abu Dhabi’s position as the region’s capital for the events industry.
Al Dhaheri noted that the exhibition attracted 481,576 visitors over its 10 days, recording a record 27 per cent increase in attendance compared with the previous edition. It also brought together leading experts, specialists and enthusiasts representing the exhibition’s 15 sectors from 71 countries, alongside enthusiasts of hunting, equestrianism, camping, outdoor sports and other supporting sectors.
He emphasised that this success reflected the UAE leadership’s vision and its continued commitment to preserving cultural heritage while supporting innovation and sustainability across various fields.
Leading Global Platform for Elite Falcons
The 2026 edition witnessed the sale of 618 falcons during the exhibition and its accompanying auctions, representing a record increase of more than 44 per cent compared with 2025. This further underscored ADIHEX’s position as one of the world’s leading platforms for the sale of elite falcons.
A total of 426 falcons were also registered under the ADIHEX Mark, qualifying them to participate in both the President’s Cup for Falconry and the Ghayathi Falconry Competition. This further strengthens the exhibition’s role in supporting falconry heritage and raising standards of excellence in the sport.
Eight falcon auctions were held as part of ADIHEX 2026, featuring rare falcons from prestigious bloodlines. Three falcons each fetched more than AED 1 million. A Pure Ultra White Gyrfalcon set a new world auction record after being sold for AED 2.1 million, the highest price ever recorded for a falcon at auction.
Two more falcons were sold for AED 1.5 million and AED 1.1 million respectively, making this year’s falcon auctions the most successful in the history of ADIHEX.
The success of the falcon auctions reflects the continued strength and established position of the falconry sector. It also highlights the exhibition’s role as a leading platform for showcasing elite falcons, strengthening links between breeders and buyers, and contributing to the preservation of a key element of cultural heritage passed down through generations.
The 2026 edition occupied an area of 107,000 square metres, representing a 17 per cent increase compared with the 2025 edition and reflecting the exhibition’s continued growth and expanding local and international participation.
Broad International Participation and Diverse Sectors
The exceptional edition recorded a significant increase in visitors from around the world, alongside the participation of 2,405 exhibitors and brands from 71 countries, including six countries participating for the first time. The event occupied a total area of 107,000 square metres, up 17 per cent from 2025.
The 23rd edition featured 15 specialised sectors: falconry; hunting and safari trips; veterinary products and services; environmental conservation and cultural heritage; hunting and shooting equipment and weapons; equestrianism; arts and handicrafts; recreational vehicles and caravans; fishing and marine sports equipment; hunting and camping equipment; outdoor vehicle equipment; camels; Arabian Saluki; knives; and the marketplace.
The Live Demonstration Arena hosted a range of new and returning competitions and shows, including the Falcon Beauty Competition, Arabian Saluki Beauty Competition, the first Arabian Horse Auction, the International Dog Show and the Emirati Handler Competition. These events attracted thousands of visitors and presented a diverse programme of cultural and heritage activities.
The 23rd edition of ADIHEX not only set new records but also reaffirmed the exhibition’s role as a global destination for preserving the UAE’s unique heritage and showcasing its vision for the future.
ADNEC Group continues to expand the exhibition’s international presence, diversify its programmes and enhance the participation of different segments of society in future editions.
ADIHEX will return to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 27 August to 5 September 2027, with greater ambitions to highlight the region’s rich heritage, showcase the latest innovations in hunting and equestrianism, and strengthen international partnerships.
Building on the remarkable success of the 2026 edition, the next edition is expected to offer a broader and more diverse programme, greater participation from exhibitors from around the world, and distinctive experiences for visitors of all age groups, continuing the celebration of heritage, culture and progress at ADIHEX 2027.
Federal Licensing Authority: Regulatory and Supervisory Role at the Exhibition
As part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and coordination with the organising and participating entities and monitor the implementation of regulatory procedures within its remit, the Federal Licensing Authority for Defence and Security Activities at the Ministry of Defence conducted a field visit to the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2026.
The visit formed part of the Authority’s regulatory and supervisory role, which includes issuing the necessary approvals for licensed defence companies participating in the exhibition, as well as permits for the transportation of restricted materials, in coordination with the organising committee.
These efforts reflect the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency of regulatory and supervisory procedures and strengthening integration with its partners, ensuring the safe and orderly handling of restricted materials in accordance with the legislation and regulations adopted in the UAE.
Weapons and Shooting: National Industry and Interactive Experience
The hunting weapons, supplies and equipment sector attracted significant interest from visitors to the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2026, amid strong participation by Emirati companies showcasing a diverse range of advanced weapons, equipment and solutions. Their participation reflected the development and diversity of the UAE’s national defence industry, as well as its growing capabilities in this field.
The sector’s stands drew a steady flow of visitors keen to explore the latest products and technologies on display, particularly those presented by CARACAL, Baynouna, Rukna, Akila and Tasleeh, alongside a number of specialised companies. Their participation enriched the exhibition’s offerings and strengthened its position as a platform bringing together leading manufacturers and specialised brands in the hunting weapons and equipment sector.
Alongside the exhibits, shooting activities were among the exhibition’s most prominent interactive experiences, attracting large numbers of visitors. The activities provided participants with opportunities to take part in organised shooting experiences and gain practical insight into shooting skills and equipment use, in an engaging environment that witnessed strong participation from visitors of different backgrounds.
These activities further enhanced the exhibition’s interactive character by combining product showcases with hands-on experiences, reinforcing the prominence of the weapons and shooting sector as one of the key components attracting visitors’ interest.
Coverage: Razi Izzeddin El-Hadmi – Photography: Badr Mohammed Khorouh
