Timeframe: Preserving an honoured traditional sport

This time, 15 years ago, Adihex was only in its second year

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, centre, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, smiles as he is shown a hunting falcon during the opening of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and EquesShow more

The UAE's love for falcons is no secret. Bedouin in the country and the wider Arabian Peninsula have practised falconry for about 4,000 years, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. It started as a form of hunting, but today it is an honoured traditional sport.

This photo shows Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, at the opening of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition on September 13, 2004.

Adihex, as it is known, was then only in its second year. It was established a year earlier to preserve an important part of the country's heritage.

In 2004, about 200 exhibitors from 21 countries took part in the event. This year's event was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in late August with 650 local and international companies taking part.

Look through the photo gallery below to see more from this year's event: