Guides
Equine Central Editorial
Abu Dhabi is once again playing host to one of the region's most anticipated heritage events of the year. The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, better known as ADIHEX, opened its doors on 28 August 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. It is already being described as the biggest and most extensive edition in the show's 23-year history.
Running for ten consecutive days until 6 September, ADIHEX 2026 has taken over the full ADNEC Centre for the first time. That expansion reflects how much the event has grown since it launched back in 2003. Organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon company, in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers' Club, and 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, this year's show is expected to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors and more than 2,400 exhibitors from 71 countries. Last year's edition drew close to 380,000 visitors, and this year's expanded, ten-day format is set to surpass that number.
What ADIHEX Is All About
At its core, ADIHEX celebrates the traditions that have shaped Emirati identity for generations: falconry, horsemanship, hunting and a deep respect for the natural world. It has grown into a genuinely global meeting point, spanning 15 sectors across roughly 107,000 square metres of exhibition space. These cover falconry, equestrian sports, camels, Salukis, hunting rifles and equipment, veterinary products, hunting tourism and safari, fishing and marine sports, outdoor leisure vehicles, arts and crafts, and cultural heritage preservation.
Brands, breeders, specialists and enthusiasts travel from across the world to take part. Visitors this year have come from as far afield as Oman, Kuwait and Romania, drawn by the chance to see, trade and experience a side of Emirati culture that rarely gets this much space to breathe.
Falconry and the Auctions Everyone's Watching
Falconry remains one of ADIHEX's biggest draws, and 2026 is no exception. Eight specialised falcon auctions form the backbone of this year's programme: four held in the run-up to the show (15 to 16 and 22 to 23 August) and four more taking place across the two show-day weekends (29 to 30 August and 5 to 6 September). Every bird up for auction is displayed in advance, with full biodata available so bidders can inspect birds up close before placing bids in person or online.
The falcons on offer go through a rigorous vetting process. They are examined at the event's bird clinic and issued official passports by a specialised assessment committee, a level of transparency that has helped make the ADIHEX auctions a trusted platform for breeders and collectors alike. Falconers from the UAE, Kuwait, Germany and Russia have all brought birds to sell this year, with some breeders bringing dozens of falcons to a single stand. Equestrian enthusiasts get their own dedicated auction too, featuring prized breeds including Friesians and Andalusians.
Horses Take Centre Stage
For anyone with a soft spot for Arabian horses, ADIHEX's equestrian programme is reason enough to visit. Locally bred Arabian horses perform in daily shows throughout the exhibition, and the breed's cultural weight is impossible to miss. Trainers from the Emirates Arabian Horse Association describe their animals less as livestock and more as family, carrying forward a bond passed down through generations.
Beyond the performances, visitors can catch equestrian displays including Tshouleeb competitions, tent pegging demonstrations with swords and lances, saddle-making workshops, and horse grooming and care demonstrations led by industry experts. It is a rare opportunity to see traditional Emirati horsemanship up close, explained by the people who practise it every day.
New for 2026: A Bigger Family Programme
One of the standout additions this year is a significantly expanded slate of family-friendly and educational activities, timed to align with the UAE's Year of Family initiative. The centrepiece is the Young Hunters & Riders Village, where children can learn about falconry, different falcon species, and both traditional and modern hunting techniques.
Beyond that, the family programme includes:
Arabic Saluki workshops covering different Saluki breeds, their care, and their historic role in hunting
Equestrian care sessions teaching safe grooming practices and basic horse-handling skills
Heritage craft workshops on Al Sadu weaving, Emirati hospitality, and the art of preparing and serving Arabic coffee
Talwah training, giving visitors hands-on practice with falcon lure handling
A Saluki hunting simulation competition
Daily children's zone activities blending play with lessons on Emirati heritage and identity
According to organisers, the aim is to turn ADIHEX into more than a spectator event. It is designed as a place where families can actively pass on cultural knowledge to the next generation, rather than just observe it from the sidelines.
A Genuinely International Cultural Programme
While Emirati heritage sits at the heart of ADIHEX, this year's cultural line-up reaches well beyond the UAE's borders. Performances from the Hungarian National Equestrian Theatre share the stage with African cultural showcases and South American-inspired acts. Japan has a particularly strong presence in 2026, with Taiko and Kharsha drumming performances, live Japanese music, a traditional tea ceremony, and karate showcases running throughout the show, alongside roaming entertainment that keeps the energy up across the venue's ten days.
A dedicated heritage area also spotlights traditional Emirati crafts and customs: pottery making, palm frond weaving, embroidery, traditional games, and live demonstrations of Arabic coffee preparation, all presented by artisans keeping these practices alive.
Practical Details for Visitors
Dates: 28 August to 6 September 2026
Venue: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM daily, with last entry at 9:30 PM
Sectors: 15, spanning falconry, equestrian, hunting, outdoor and heritage categories
Scale: Around 107,000 sqm of exhibition space, 2,400+ exhibitors and brands from 71 countries
Price: AED 35/person, with discounts when you buy multiple tickets
Parking: AED 20
Why ADIHEX Matters Beyond Abu Dhabi
ADIHEX is worth watching for more than its scale alone. In a region where rapid modernisation is often the headline story, the event is a reminder of how deliberately the UAE is working to preserve and pass on its cultural roots, from falconry and Arabian horse breeding to Bedouin crafts and hospitality traditions. For international visitors and exhibitors, it has also become a serious commercial opportunity, connecting global brands in the hunting, equestrian and outdoor sectors with a highly engaged, high-spending audience.
For anyone in or visiting Abu Dhabi before 6 September, ADIHEX 2026 offers a rare chance to see Emirati heritage, world-class falconry and equestrian tradition, and genuine cross-cultural exchange, all under one roof. By every measure, this is the biggest version of it yet.
Sources: Abu Dhabi City Guide, The National, and the official ADIHEX 2026 website.