The first session of the Al Ain International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2025 is still ongoing at the ADNEC Center Al Ain, in the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is the Ruler Representative in the Al Ain Region, with extensive involvement of national organizations by aiming to popularize cultural, heritage, and sporting identity.
The event was hugely crowded with thousands of visitors attending the main arena to spend their time in a wide variety of heritage and innovative activities.
The programme also includes live performances, interactive classes and lectures, which are an essential manifestation of the Emirati identity and are equally attractive to people of different age groups, and contribute to the liveliness of the atmosphere and interactivity at the exhibition.
The exceptional attendance of the current show confirms on Friday that the exhibition was a top cultural and heritage event, and the live activities have drawn people to its offerings in large numbers, where the richness of the Emirati tradition is combined with the spirit of innovation.
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority is providing an experience that is quite enriching, and which depicts the richness of the Emirati heritage in different segments.
These covered a traditional costume section, where patrons could sample national attire and have pictures captured, a virtual tour of the Dhafra Festival, and a stage hosting the Million Poet programme.
The pavilion of the Emirates Falconers Club exhibited some of the major projects, including the Mohamed Bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, the International Festival of Falconry, the Arabian Saluki Centre, and the National Library and Archives.
Visitors had the opportunity to experience things directly, through live falconry performances, direct engagement areas, and information on the historic methods of hunting, and a school visits programme that has taught new generations about the art of falconry.
The Al Marzoom Hunting Reserve, which was established in 2015, covers 923 square kilometers, emphasizes its work to rekindle the practice of falconry in a safe and ecologically friendly space.
Traditional hunting of hares and houbara bustards with camels or vintage cars could be experienced by the visitors, all in line with the hunting laws in Abu Dhabi.
The Al Ain Chess and Mind Games club is part of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and provides a unique experience, in which visitors can engage with AI-powered robots to train and play chess.
These contributions affirm that the exhibition is not just a hunting and equestrianism event, but a holistic platform which unites both physical and mind sports, cultural heritage, and new technology, and it is the way the UAE’s vision about conserving its heritage and innovating.
The ADNEC Centre Al Ain visitors were able to view vast collections of artworks, handicrafts, and heritage collectables, as well as the latest hunting, camping, and veterinary products, in an experience that blended traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
However, the main arena was home to a formula of interactive processes that combined the Emirati tradition with innovativeness and provided the visitors with an enriching and entertaining experience.
The activities commenced with a special workshop on training and hunting with the Arabian Saluki, in which the participants were informed about the secrets and ethics of this traditional sport, then live Saluki shows were conducted, with explanations of their nature and the use in the traditional hunting expeditions.
There was also a bird and reptiles show with Al Ain Zoo, and it showcased the biodiversity of the UAE environment, and a falconry show which imitated real hunting scenes with a specialised workshop on falconry.
The Desert Spark of Magic Fayoonah by Leo and Loona attracted the attention of children, as it offers both entertainment and education in a rather interactive setting.
Visitors had a variety of cultural experiences throughout the day, and the Al Yalsa Tent provided them with authentic Emirati hospitality in a traditional environment.
These interactive activities were not merely performances but represented the mission of the exhibition to re-enliven the Emirati heritage in a modern form to include the entire family in the extensive educational and entertainment setting, so that the main arena would be a lively epicentre of creativity and diversity throughout the exhibition.
The event and activities are ongoing in the course of the show, and the tickets are readily bought online, and one has the liberty of selecting the appropriate dates and alternatives to purchase their tickets for this special show.
