Anybody who questions whether the pace of development in the UAE has swept away its traditions would do well to visit the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex), which runs until tomorrow evening at Adnec.
As The National reported yesterday, the 12th edition of this annual event features many of the emblematic facets of traditional Emirati outdoor life, including falcons, houbaras and salukis. Also on display are an eclectic range of goods: everything from off-road luxury campervans and high-tech hunting weaponry to artworks by local painters and exquisitely-created handicrafts.
At the heart of Adihex's appeal - and the reason why it has grown to become one of the biggest exhibitions of its kind in the world - is its celebration of what lies at the heart of life in the Emirates, smoothly integrating the old with the new. This includes encouraging and protecting many traditional pastimes, such as hunting, falconry and fishing.
Given the way the UAE as a whole has successfully navigated the delicate balancing act of keeping the best of the old while adopting the benefits of the new, should it be a surprise that Adihex reflects that?
