Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition 2025
Last week I visited the 22nd Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), presented under the theme The Legacy Lives On. What could have been a trade fair felt more like a living archive of cherished pastimes, sports and crafts - a generous, international stage for Emirati culture which I was eager to learn more about firsthand. Some 2,068 exhibitors from 68 countries gathered around falconry, equestrianism, traditional arts, conservation and the tools of expedition.
The afternoon proved a rich source of inspiration, especially for creatives keen to find a place in the region’s rapidly maturing art scene - (nearby Saadiyat Island for example, houses the Louvre Abu Dhabi and other major cultural institutions such as the Guggenheim and Zayed National Museum both opening in 2026). The ADIHEX exhibition offered an array of influences and ideas for artworks that can resonate with the climate, honour Emirati traditions and guidance on how to present, with the sensitivity and respect those audiences appreciate.
Through the stalls and pavilions I found countless visual influences: from beautiful Arabian horses, the focused rituals of falconry, artisans stitching and weaving textiles even to the striking presence of a pair of cloned camels, something I’d only ever read about! - a clear example of how tradition and technology are being brought into conversation. I was fortunate to be present during an official visit by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, whose tour underlined the exhibition’s importance and the mission to celebrate and safeguard heritage while embracing modern innovation. (See local news coverage of the official visit here -)
Personal highlights included learning about the cloning process behind the camels, watching four dressage horses perform, seeing the scale of falconry ahead of auctions and discovering Emirati artists whose work ranged from traditional craft to contemporary decorative pieces. Car enthusiasts were well served too, with several, very special-editions on display to enjoy.
The visit took me two to three hours and was fairly easy to navigate - accessible (ticket - £8; taxi from the main island around £10). I do look forward to joining next year, for now, here’s a few snaps that capture what resonated with me. (Photographs were encouraged across the fair’s exhibits - Be mindful to avoid photographing individuals without their consent as this is illegal in The UAE)
Discover more about the ADIHEX Annual Fair on the official site here.
#ADIHEX #TheLegacyLivesOn #AbuDhabi #HeritageAndInnovation #EquestrianArts #Falconry #CharlesPedoneArt
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