Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) badge for falcons will be launched by ADNEC Group, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, for the 21st edition of the event, which will take place from 31 August-8 September 2024 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
The badge will qualify falcons purchased at the exhibition, and associated auctions and events, to compete under the supervision of the Abu Dhabi Falconers Club in the new race rounds, which will be introduced for badge holders in four falcon categories including Gyr Pure, Gyr Qarmousha, Gyr Shaheen, and Taba, under the upcoming round of the President's Cup Falcon Competition 2024-2025.
His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansoori, Secretary-General of the Emirates Falconers Club, said: "The launch of this badge aligns with the aspirations of our wise leadership to support all national events that add value, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s status as a capital that blends modernity and tradition, and as a leading center for creativity and innovation in various sports and heritage activities."
His Excellency expressed confidence in the significant impact of such initiatives on supporting the falconry sector locally and internationally. He said the initiative would enhance participation at ADIHEX, both in terms of quantity and quality, benefiting all supporting sectors.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: "The introduction of this badge, with the support of the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reflects our leadership's dedication to advancing the falconry sector in the UAE. This initiative aims to preserve the heritage and capabilities of these important sports and enhance their competitiveness regionally and internationally.
"The launch of this badge is intended to support producers in enhancing their participation in the exhibition. It will also stimulate the inclusion of high-quality birds, encourage visitors to acquire falcons, and promote the heritage of falconry, thereby advancing the exhibition and its role in supporting this sport locally and internationally."
Sultan Al Mahmoud, Executive Director at Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, said: "We are proud of our strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers Club and ADNEC Group in launching this badge. I am confident that it will enhance the competitiveness and reputation of the exhibition regionally and globally, and support a wide range of sectors, from producers to experts and enthusiasts."
Al Mahmoud said that the teams at the Abu Dhabi Falconers Club, in cooperation with ADNEC Group, will work diligently to ensure the success of future badge rounds under the umbrella of the President's Cup. This will effectively contribute to the promotion, competitiveness and importance of such sports.
