ADIHEX witnesses strong female presence

ABU DHABI - The 19th session of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2022) which is held from September 26 to October 2 and organized by the Emirates Falconers’ Club, is witnessing a strong presence of women among the ADIHEX visitors in the various 11 sectors and participants in the daily program of activities and events throughout ADIHEX.

The ADIHEX 2022 is also attracting more ADIHEX female visitors, as the event turns into a family festival suitable for all family and community members.

The UAE is experiencing an increase in demand among women regarding the purchase of captive-bred falcons. In recent sessions, there has been a significant demand among girls and women to buy licensed hunting weapons, especially with the efforts made to facilitate the procedures for licensing hunting weapons in accordance with the legislation and mechanisms in force. 

Many female falconers and experts in the world of falconry and sustainable hunting attend the program of seminars and workshops for the conference accompanying the Exhibition.

The role of women is highlighted through multiple participations under the supervision of the competent authorities, such as the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the Mohammed bin Zayed Falconry and Desert Physiognomy School, and the European Foundation for Falconry & Conservation, the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) and the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE). Women also participate in the shows of the birds of prey at Al Ain Zoo.

Also, in the field of falconry, the Japanese pavilion at ADIHEX celebrates once again the role of women in falconry with the participation of expert Japanese female falconers. 

In the field of equestrian, the ADIHEX will include multiple participations of female horse riders from the UAE and various countries around the world in the shows and performances presented for the ADIHEX visitors; most notably a seminar on the “Sustainability Platform: Mechanism of Horse Registration Services at the Emirates Arabian Horse Association (EAHA), which will be presented by Lola Al Mansouri.

Researcher Sariya Al-Marzouq will also give a lecture on the genetics of horses, and the most important qualities of Arabian horses from an economic point of view, including the standards of stamina, performance and appearance, which are related to the features and qualities of horse beauty. Tina Al Qubaisi, a member of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Sports Academy (FBMA) and the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, will deliver a workshop on the "Connect with Nature, Connect with Animals" platform entitled "Equestrian Sports Training". She will also participate in special events in the live performances arena that showcase the dressage and show jumping skills. 

Amna Al Jasmi, an Emirati female horse rider, is another prominent participant in the live performances arena; being an impressive model for the Emirati young woman, especially with her pioneering role in spreading this sport inherited from the ancestors among the new generations.

She will also present performances of archery with the traditional bow and arrow on horseback, and shows of some types of historical martial arts (fencing with the traditional Arab sword) at the Exhibition this year. 

On the “Outdoor Adventure” platform, Emirati athlete and mountaineer Nayla Nasser Al Balushi will share her experience with the ADIHEX visitors, along with her athlete husband, Saeed Khamis Al Maamari. They are the first Emirati couple to climb Mount Everest peak; the highest mountain in the world. Fatima Sajwani will also deliver an important workshop entitled “Motivating Arab Women to Practice Exciting Outdoor Sports Activities”. 

The Abu Dhabi Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX 2022) will also witness a distinctive participation of female guardians of the heritage; the Emirati women who have taken upon their shoulders the heavy task of introducing the public of different nationalities to the traditional handicrafts, such as the Sadu, Khous and other crafts that have been passed on by Emirati women from one generation to another and are still present, despite the spectacular developments witnessed the UAE society has witnessed in recent years, thanks to these mothers and grandmothers. 

Women also constitute a large segment of the artistic participation in ADIHEX this year. Those participants, who are from across the UAE and around the world, will take part in the various competitions of the Exhibition. From the Fujairah Fine Arts Academy (FFAA), Fatima Alamiri will deliver a unique workshop on “Thread Drawing”. Fatima Al-Dhanhani will also present a workshop on Arabic calligraphy, while Sally Al Azzawi will present a one on the “Basics of Decoration and Illumination”, and Shurooq Azzam on “Pottery Formation.” 

Projects run by women constitute a significant percentage of the projects and companies participating in the Exhibition, and the products they offer range from masterpieces of traditional handicrafts, accessories, cosmetics, perfumes, incense, and many other products. The renowned Emirati artist Azza Al Qubaisi will deliver a special workshop entitled "Make your own Jewelry". 

On the other hand, many companies are keen to offer women-specific products to attract the ADIHEX female visitors, such as the pavilion of the BYNUNA Military & Hunting Equipment Trading LLC, which displayed in the last session lightweight weapons intended for female hunting enthusiasts who love to own their hunting rifles. 

The falconry activities organized by the UAE throughout the year in the last two decades have encouraged girls and young women to learn the arts, skills and science of falconry, fishing and hunting, thus paving the way for them to participate in falconry competitions, as with the Equestrian and other traditional sports. 

Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of ADIHEX, President of IAF and Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, stressed that Emirati women are very keen on holding on to their national identities and the customs and traditions of their society, with falconry as one of its most important pillars, as they grow and engage in various fields confidently and strongly. 

Falconry has become the sport of the Emirati family as many amongst them own birds. The UAE is today the country of many female falconers who train, teach and raise birds, including some who specialize in treating falcons. Just as there has been a shift in the past few years as Emirati women entered the equestrian world, it is not unlikely that they will tackle falconry next, regardless of it being quite an arduous sport.