ADIHEX 2024 Marks A Milestone With Record Attendance And Global Participation

The 21st Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) concluded at ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi. This edition, the largest since its inception in 2003, was organised by ADNEC Group in partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club. The event underscored ADIHEX 2024’s role as a premier celebration of heritage, culture, and outdoor activities.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, highlighted the event's significance in reinforcing Abu Dhabi's global status in cultural heritage related to hunting and equestrianism. He acknowledged the substantial turnout of participants, exhibitors, and visitors, which showcased a growing interest in preserving traditions while embracing innovation.

ADNEC Group appointed GRS to independently assess satisfaction levels among exhibitors and visitors through surveys conducted during the nine-day event. The exhibitor satisfaction index reached 4.1 out of 5, surpassing the global industry average of 3.8. Satisfaction with return on investment also rose to 91 percent.

Visitor satisfaction scored 4.2 out of 5, higher than the global average of 4.0. Additionally, 92 percent of visitors noted improved organisation compared to previous editions, with a future promotion index of +64 points, far exceeding the global average of +28 points. Visitor intention to participate in future editions was rated at 4.4 out of 5.

The 2024 edition welcomed an impressive 347,481 visitors from around the globe, marking a 205 percent increase from last year. It also featured participation from 1,742 exhibiting companies and brands representing 65 countries.

Saad Al Hassani, Director of ADIHEX, praised the extensive participation of local and international exhibitors who showcased hunting and equestrian cultural heritage. He emphasised that the event provided a global platform for cultural exchange and promoted sustainable practices rooted in authentic traditions.

Highlights and New Features

This year's exhibition included eleven sectors such as equestrianism, falconry, hunting, fishing, camping, arts, and UAE heritage. New events like the Knowledge Platform hosted discussions on sustainable hunting and conservation practices.

A major highlight was the daily falcon auction that underscored the UAE's pioneering role in falconry and wildlife conservation. For the first time ever at ADIHEX, online bidding for falcons was introduced. A total of 325 falcons worth AED5.4 million were sold while another 302 falcons received the ADIHEX badge qualifying them for the UAE President's Cup 2024-2025 season.

The Arabian Camel Auction also garnered significant interest with sales totalling AED2.5 million for fifteen camels. Organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with Advanced Scientific Group, this auction attracted visitors keen on acquiring purebred camels with racing potential.

Commitment to Inclusion

On the final day of ADIHEX, a competition for People of Determination took place showcasing skilled riders' talents. This competition reflected ADIHEX’s commitment to inclusion as one of its core objectives.

Thousands of school children from Abu Dhabi attended educational tours at the exhibition where they learned about Emirati culture, heritage and sustainability practices through engaging activities like wildlife conservation workshops and traditional Emirati dance performances.

Media Presence

Over 1,038 media representatives attended this year’s edition marking a significant increase from last year by 108 percent. This extensive media coverage helped elevate ADIHEX’s standing both regionally and internationally.

ADIHEX set a Guinness World Record for creating the largest falcon burqa measuring an impressive diameter of 1.95 metres further highlighting its unique contributions towards celebrating cultural heritage associated with hunting & equestrianism.

The exhibition’s main sponsors played crucial roles contributing significantly towards successful execution across various sectors blending culture tradition & innovation reaffirming ADIHEX’s status as premier global hunting & equestrian event

ADNEC Group remains committed towards enhancing future editions by expanding activities encouraging greater international participation promoting UAE’s rich cultural & heritage diversity

With inputs from WAM