Abu Dhabi hunting expo sells out 10-day run, signaling surging demand in heritage sectors
Record venue capacity signals booming market for heritage and outdoor activities in the Gulf.
ADNEC Abu Dhabi is fully booked for ten consecutive days, a first in the 23rd edition’s operational history, as the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition runs through September 6 under the banner “Our Heritage, Our Pride.”
The scale of ADIHEX 2026 is the clearest signal yet of accelerating market demand across the hunting, equestrian, falconry and outdoor activities sectors. Occupying all facilities at ADNEC Abu Dhabi marks a record physical footprint, and organizers point to rapid growth in both exhibitor participation and visitor numbers from domestic and international sources as the driver behind that expanded allocation. ADNEC Group, a subsidiary of Modon, organizes the exhibition in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, toured the exhibition during its opening period. He reviewed offerings across multiple national and international pavilions, taking in products and specialized technologies across the core sectors alongside initiatives focused on innovation, sustainability, environmental conservation and cultural heritage preservation.
In remarks posted to social media platform X, Sheikh Hamdan said ADIHEX has “established itself as a leading platform for preserving heritage and culture” over more than two decades of operation. He attributed the exhibition’s success to what he described as “unlimited support” from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and characterized the event as “a successful model that brings together authenticity, modernity and innovation.”
Meanwhile, the 2026 edition continues a programming approach built around heritage, cultural and family-oriented events, supplemented by live demonstrations, interactive activities and specialized auctions. That combination targets both enthusiasts and casual visitors from within the UAE and internationally, broadening the audience base that exhibitors and participating companies can reach.
Sheikh Hamdan met with exhibitors and participants from the UAE and abroad during his tour, receiving briefings on innovations and products on display. His remarks positioned Abu Dhabi as a global capital for hunting, equestrianism and heritage activities.
A substantial delegation accompanied Sheikh Hamdan throughout the event. Among those present were Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative’s Court in Al Ain; Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Sheikh Hazza bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai; Majed Ali Al Mansoori, Secretary-General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club; Nasser Mohammed Al Mansoori, Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative’s Court in Al Dhafra Region; and Hamad Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC.
The exhibition’s year-on-year growth trajectory and expanding international standing have positioned it as a gathering point for experts, specialists and decision-makers from around the world. Whether the record venue allocation in 2026 sets a new baseline for future editions, or represents a ceiling the event will need to grow beyond, is the question organizers will be answering long before the 24th edition opens.
Q&A
What operational milestone did ADIHEX 2026 achieve at ADNEC Abu Dhabi?
ADNEC Abu Dhabi was fully booked for ten consecutive days for the first time in the exhibition's 23-year operational history, occupying all facilities at the venue.
What drove the record physical footprint expansion for ADIHEX 2026?
Rapid growth in both exhibitor participation and visitor numbers from domestic and international sources drove the expanded allocation and record venue occupancy.
Who organizes ADIHEX and what is the organizational structure?
ADNEC Group, a subsidiary of Modon, organizes the exhibition in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers' Club.
What programming approach does ADIHEX 2026 employ to attract visitors?
The exhibition combines heritage, cultural and family-oriented events with live demonstrations, interactive activities and specialized auctions to target both enthusiasts and casual visitors from the UAE and internationally.