ADIHEX ’13 – (or as us Scots would call it – the huntin’ and shootin’ and campin’ show!)

ADIHEX (Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition) is now on!  Taking place at the National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), this amazing celebration of Emirati outdoor pursuits is well worth a visit, even if you aren’t an “outdoorsy” person like me.

We’ve visited this exhibition for 5 out of the past 6 years and this year I’ve urged my coffee morning friends and various other people to go; when you recommend something like this you always worry that this year’s show won’t be as good as previous ones but I am sure visitors won’t be disappointed.  This year’s expo is the biggest by far, with lots more shows and demonstations, a hall dedicated to the UAE culture as well as the chance to spend some money!

Falconry is a very popular traditional sport here but it’s not cheap – birds can sell for thousands of dirhams

I liked this cute little guy but couldn’t get him to smile for the camera

and here’s the Emirati version of Big Bird from Sesame Street.  By the way the International Fund for Houbara Conservation are exhibiting there so maybe this guy escaped from his pen!

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Of course as with all sports you need the accessories…

This hood, complete with crystals cost 650aed.  I didn’t buy it, but I did purchase some great minature falcon hoods which are keyrings for only 10aed – these make fantastic souvenirs or stocking fillers for Christmas.

Everyone is very friendly at the exhibition…. these good looking young lads said hello and asked me to take their picture.

The locals also love their birds of prey and we were able to see them take flight in the Arena at a show by Al Ain Zoo

We stayed at the exhibition for over 5 hours, taking in a few great demonstations and shows such as this one by Abu Dhabi Police K9 division

They even have a Chiwawa in the unit!

The best part of the evening for me was a demonstration by “horse whisperer” Mr Ali Al Ameri.

After the shows we had another wander round and found this… “on a steel steed I ride” …. no sign of Jon Bon Jovi unfortunately!

There seemed to be more camping/activitiy exhitors this year – my friend Mr Nour from TJM in Abu Dhabi asked if I would like to have a look at their rooftent, so to his surprise, I did!

We were too busy spending money to take photos at ARB’s stand which was as excellent as one would expect; we will be off-road testing our new toy this afternoon!

We stopped by to view this amazing RV, complete with garage for quads.  Now if anyone is wondering what they can get me for my big birthday in December…..

The final show we took in was a demonstration of camel riding – I was glad that these huge animals were behind a barrier!

So there you have it, ADIHEX 2013.  Please go there, look, learn, spend and enjoy!

It’s open today, Friday 6th Sep and Saturday 7th Sep from 11am to 10pm.  Entry is 10aed and there is no need to pre-register but it may save you time waiting at the booths for a pen if you do!

If you are hungry after the show, I highly recommend stopping off for a meal at the wonderful (and relatively cheap) Boulanger Restaurant which serves a wide range of traditional arabic fare.  GPS – N24 24.604 E54 27.684.