International Fund For Houbara Conservation To Showcase Wildlife Initiatives At ADIHEX 2025

The International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) is set to participate in the 20th Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2025. This event, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will occur from August 30 to September 7, 2025, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The theme is "Sustainability and Heritage... with a Renewed Spirit."

As part of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, IFHC will present a pavilion inspired by the UAE's dedication to environmental and wildlife conservation. This commitment reflects the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who championed preserving the Houbara bustard. His efforts symbolise the UAE’s leadership in conserving natural and cultural heritage globally.

The pavilion will feature interactive stations for all ages, focusing on children and youth. These stations will highlight various conservation program phases, including scientific research and international partnerships. Innovative technologies developed at research centres in the UAE, Morocco, and Kazakhstan will be showcased, emphasising genetic diversity preservation and successful captive breeding.

A dedicated educational corner for children will include the "Houbara AI Platform," a regional first. This platform provides cultural and environmental information alongside educational games designed to engage young visitors' imaginations while imparting knowledge.

The "Houbara Ambassadors Programme" will be a key feature at the pavilion. Veterinary students from UAE University will lead this initiative by sharing their field experiences and scientific training with visitors. This programme aims to inspire future generations about wildlife conservation.

Additionally, over 120,000 visitors are expected to explore live Houbara birds at the pavilion. These birds result from decades of captive breeding and release efforts. A documentary showcasing Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s visionary messages on conservation will also be available for viewing.

Collaborative Projects with Khalifa University

The Fund collaborates with Khalifa University of Science and Technology on projects like the ‘Houbara Robot.’ This robot supports behavioural research and field sampling. Another project is the ‘AI-based Understanding of Houbara Behaviour’ initiative, which uses advanced modelling to classify vegetation, monitor bird movements, and analyse behaviour in natural habitats.

The pavilion will also highlight IFHC's ongoing support for local communities through specialised job opportunities. It contributes to flagship projects aimed at protecting endangered species such as the Arabian Houbara and Indian Great Bustard.

This participation underscores IFHC's commitment to conservation efforts that balance ecological needs with cultural heritage preservation. Their initiatives reflect a broader vision of sustainable development within the UAE's environmental landscape.

With inputs from WAM