Abu Dhabi’s hunting exhibition will run for a week to meet increased demand

Promotional campaigns also launched to attract visitors from Europe and Asia

A likely contender for the Most Beautiful Captive-bred Falcon at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition.

Adihex falcon competition categories include: pure gyr, gyr peregrine, three quatro saker and pure gyr male.

Birds are judged for feather symmetry and colour, head, body and leg detail and general aesthetic appearance, as well as their general health.

A falcon makes sure the camera is getting its best side at Adihex. Judges also consider weight and body measurements.

The competition attracts falconry enthusiasts from all over the world. Adihex has a presence in more than 50 countries and in 2019 attracted 115,000 visitors.

Falcons have a long heritage in Bedouin culture. For hundreds of years they have been used to hunt for native fowl.

By popularising ownership of captive-bred falcons through its competitions, Adihex seeks to reduce pressure on wild populations.

Falconry is a popular hobby and proud tradition among Emiratis of all ages.

After not taking place in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Adihex returns for 2021, running from September 27 to October 3 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Falconry enthusiasts wanting to enter their birds for Adihex competitions should email the Emirates Falconers’ Club at [e-mail].

The annual Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) will run for a week when it opens in September.

Organisers hope that extending the annual event will help meet public interest and increased demand from falconry, hunting and equestrian enthusiasts.

Adihex returns to the UAE from September 27 until October 3, after a break last year due to Covid-19.

Majid Al Mansouri, secretary general of the Emirates Falconers Club, said 80 events have been planned as the UAE joins other countries "gradually coming out of the pandemic".

Activities will include sports events, competitions and educational programmes.

These will provide "fun learning opportunities that enhance the attraction of Adihex as a family festival that interests and suits all members of the family and society", Mr Al Mansouri, who is also chairman of Adihex's organising committee, told Wam news agency.

The fair drew more than 115,000 visitors in 2019.

Promotional campaigns have been launched to draw increased traffic from Europe and Asia. Adihex has a strong presence in more than 50 countries.

Auctions of falcons, horses and camels draw large numbers of spectators, with archery experiences also popular among fans.

Workshops will cover how to train horses, archery and falconry and provide detailed information about hunting knives.

A show of modified cars and a workshop that will teach survival skills in the desert are also on the agenda.

The annual Arabian Saluki beauty contest, a popular dog show – both in the region and further afield – has received registrations from owners of purebred dogs from across the world.

The exhibition promotes a rich hunting and sporting tradition in the region.

While celebrating hunting, the event also informs visitors about conservation efforts to protect birds and reverse shrinking habitats.

The Emirates Falconers Club will present live demonstrations on falcon care and allow visitors to snap photographs alongside falconers, birds and hunting dogs.

The exhibition, which will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, is also supported by the Environmental Agency - Abu Dhabi and the International Fund for Houbara Conservation.

Most beautiful captive-bred falcons contest: in pictures