ADIHEX 2026 Adds Family-Focused Activities Programme
ADIHEX 2026 Builds A Family Programme
ADIHEX 2026 introduced a new range of interactive family activities on 29 August 2026, organisers said, combining entertainment, education and cultural heritage preservation across the remainder of the exhibition's run at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers' Club, the 23rd edition of ADIHEX runs from 28 August to 6 September 2026, organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon company, in partnership with the Emirates Falconers' Club. The programme was designed to give families and children the chance to explore authentic Emirati heritage through immersive activities and interactive experiences intended to strengthen family bonds and instil cultural values in younger generations.
Young Hunters Village Teaches Falconry
The family programme was built around the Young Hunters and Riders Village, where children learn about falconry, different falcon species and both traditional and modern falcon hunting techniques, alongside Arabic Saluki workshops introducing the various Saluki dog breeds, their care and their use in hunting. Further practical workshops covered Arabian equestrian care, including safe grooming practices and essential equipment, Emirati hospitality, Al Sadu weaving, and the traditions of preparing and serving Arabic coffee, running across the exhibition's 10-day span from 28 August to 6 September 2026 and offering participants insight into various aspects of Emirati heritage.
Live demonstrations formed a further strand of the programme, including interactive falcon shows built around talwah, the handling of a lure used in falcon training, an Arabic Saluki hunting simulation competition, and hands-on experiences introducing visitors to horses, horsemanship and guidance on proper riding technique. Children's activities explored elements of Emirati heritage through modern, engaging formats intended to strengthen younger visitors' connection to national identity, part of a wider effort organisers said was designed to encourage curiosity while enhancing environmental, cultural and heritage awareness.
Cultural performances added equestrian displays to the family programme, including Tshouleeb performances and competitions for adults and young participants, tent pegging demonstrations using swords and lances, saddle-making workshops, and horse grooming demonstrations alongside expert guidance on horse care. Japanese cultural performances also featured, including Shoten and Kharsha drumming, live Japanese music performances, a traditional tea ceremony and karate showcases, staged alongside the exhibition's wider entertainment programme.
Falcon And Horse Auctions Continue
Falcon auctions continue on 29 and 30 August and on 5 and 6 September, with birds selected by a specialised committee that examines prospective entries at the exhibition's bird clinic and issues official bird passports before sale. An equestrian auction runs alongside the falcon sales, offering a range of breeds including Friesian and Andalusian horses and giving enthusiasts the chance to acquire some of the finest horses available.
Organisers said the programme's educational sessions, workshops and dedicated morning activities for children were designed to build environmental, cultural and heritage awareness across generations, and to support the transfer of knowledge and tradition between them, contributing to family cohesion in an atmosphere combining learning with enjoyment. The family activities run for the remainder of ADIHEX 2026's 10-day schedule, alongside the exhibition's trade, auction and cultural programming, through to its close on 6 September 2026.