Al Ain International Hunting And Equestrian Exhibition 2025 Unveils Competitions Celebrating Emirati Culture

The Al Ain International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (AAIHEX) 2025 is set to debut with a diverse range of competitions. Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed al Nahyan, the event will be held from November 26-30 at ADNEC Centre Al Ain. Organised by the ADNEC Group in partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club, this exhibition aims to highlight the UAE's rich traditions.

AAIHEX 2025 will celebrate the UAE’s legacy in outdoor sports, hunting, and horsemanship. It aims to position Al Ain as a cultural and heritage hub in the Middle East and North Africa. This inaugural event offers visitors and exhibitors a chance to engage in various authentic activities that promote Al Ain as a regional cultural centre.

A key feature of AAIHEX is its programme of competitions that spotlight traditional Emirati activities. In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, these competitions aim to celebrate Emirati culture through various authentic events and immersive experiences.

The Traditional Cooking Competition will focus on reviving Emirati cuisine by highlighting its authentic flavours and culinary techniques passed down through generations. Participants will prepare traditional dishes, judged on authenticity, ingredient quality, hygiene, preparation methods, and presentation by a specialised panel.

An Arabic Coffee Workshop will explore the cultural significance of Arabic coffee as a symbol of Emirati hospitality. The workshop aims to preserve coffee-making traditions for future generations. It includes live morning sessions teaching traditional preparation methods used in Bedouin campsites and evening sessions where participants compete based on authenticity, taste, presentation, and adherence to hospitality customs.

The Al Yola Traditional Performance Competition seeks to revive this Emirati performing art while instilling values of courage, chivalry, and national pride in younger generations. Participants will demonstrate precision with the Yola stick, rhythm, and mastery of movements before a jury and audience.

Engaging Platform for Visitors

Thousands are expected to attend AAIHEX over its five-day duration. The exhibition serves as a dynamic platform for attendees to engage with the community while showcasing their skills and products to like-minded individuals.

This event marks an important milestone for Al Ain as it hosts AAIHEX for the first time. By offering a wide array of activities that celebrate heritage and tradition, AAIHEX aims to establish itself as a significant cultural event in the region.

With inputs from WAM