Heritage and Equestrian Traditions Draw Record Crowds to Abu Dhabi's Flagship Exhibition
Expanded format draws visitors seeking heritage, equestrian sports and cultural exchange.
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2026, now in its 23rd year, opened this week to its largest footprint yet, welcoming visitors to a ten-day program at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi that runs through September 6. For the public, that extended format means more time to access heritage programming, family activities, live performances, interactive experiences and specialist auctions, all under one roof.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, attended the exhibition and toured pavilions showcasing the latest developments in hunting, equestrian sports, falconry and outdoor activities. The visit included briefings from local and international exhibitors on innovations in sustainability, environmental preservation and cultural heritage protection.
The ten-day run is a first for the event. Organizers extended the format to reflect accelerating growth and mounting interest from vendors and visitors across the UAE and beyond, a structural shift that signals how firmly the exhibition has embedded itself in the regional calendar.
Speaking at the venue, Sheikh Hamdan described the exhibition as central to Abu Dhabi’s mission of safeguarding national heritage and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. “The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition embodies Abu Dhabi’s pioneering role in preserving heritage and culture,” he said, calling the platform “an important bridge of communication between generations, as well as a means of bringing peoples and different cultures closer together.” He credited the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for elevating the event to regional and international prominence, and framed it as a model that merges authenticity with modernity and innovation.
The exhibition operates this year under the theme A Legacy of Pride and draws exhibitors and brands from across the UAE and internationally. Sheikh Hamdan commended its year-on-year expansion and its role as a global gathering point for experts, specialists, enthusiasts and decision-makers in the hunting, equestrian and falconry communities.
The tour was attended by a broad delegation of senior officials. Among those accompanying Sheikh Hamdan were Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Ain Region; Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Sheikh Hazza bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Rashed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai; Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club; Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region; and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of ADNEC Group.
ADNEC Group, a Modon company, organizes the exhibition in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club. The event’s heritage and cultural programming sits alongside family-oriented activities designed to draw enthusiasts and hobbyists of all ages.
By contrast with earlier editions, which ran for shorter periods, the expanded ten-day window reflects the organizers’ confidence in sustained public demand. Whether that appetite continues to grow, and how the exhibition evolves to meet it, will be the question shaping its 24th edition.
Q&A
What is the duration of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2026 and why was it extended?
The exhibition runs for ten days through September 6, marking the first time it has used this extended format. Organizers extended it to reflect accelerating growth and mounting interest from vendors and visitors across the UAE and beyond.
What types of activities and programming are available to visitors at the exhibition?
Visitors can access heritage programming, family activities, live performances, interactive experiences and specialist auctions, all under one roof at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Which organizations are responsible for organizing the exhibition?
ADNEC Group, a Modon company, organizes the exhibition in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers' Club.
What is the exhibition's theme and what does it aim to achieve?
The exhibition operates under the theme A Legacy of Pride and aims to safeguard national heritage, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and serve as a bridge of communication between generations and different cultures.