Nina Taylor 
Every year, the desert capital of the UAE transforms into a meeting point for heritage, sport, and culture. ADIHEX 2026 takes place from August 28 to September 6 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. It is the largest exhibition in the world dedicated to hunting, equestrian sports, falconry, and heritage conservation.
In 2025, the event welcomed 379,572 visitors from 68 countries, supported by 2,068 exhibitors and brands across 92,000 square metres of exhibition space. The 2026 edition is expected to be even bigger, with organisers projecting over 379,000 buyers, enthusiasts, and professionals. Therefore, if you are planning a trip to Abu Dhabi this autumn, this guide will help you understand exactly what to expect.
What Is ADIHEX?
ADIHEX stands for the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition. The event has existed since 2003, making 2026 a milestone year for this long-running tradition. It is organised by the Emirates Falconers’ Club, an organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting falconry and the wider cultural heritage of the region.
The exhibition is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club. This patronage reflects the deep cultural importance of the event within the UAE.
At its core, ADIHEX celebrates centuries-old traditions. These include falconry, equestrianism, camel breeding, and traditional fishing. However, the event is not purely historical. It also showcases the latest products, technologies, and services across hunting, outdoor adventure, marine sports, and wildlife conservation. Therefore, ADIHEX brings together tradition and modern innovation in a single venue.
Dates and Venue
ADIHEX 2026 runs from Friday, August 28, to Sunday, September 6, 2026. This makes it a nine-day event, one of the longest exhibitions on the UAE’s annual calendar.
The venue is ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, located on Khaleej Al Arabi Street in the heart of the capital. ADNEC is one of the most established exhibition centres in the Middle East, with excellent infrastructure for large-scale events. The centre offers multiple halls, ample parking, and convenient access from across the city.
Several car parks serve the venue. Car Park A sits close to the Aloft hotel and provides easy access to the ICC building. Car Park E is located near Marina Hall, with its entrance immediately after Marina Hall on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Additionally, ADNEC offers a secure parking spot booking option through the official ADIHEX website, which is worth arranging in advance given the scale of expected attendance.
Tickets and Visitor Information
Tickets for ADIHEX 2026 can be purchased through the official website at adihex.com. The site includes a dedicated visitor information section covering everything from ticket purchases to parking arrangements.
Given the nine-day duration of the event, visitors have considerable flexibility when planning their trip. However, certain days may be busier than others, particularly weekends and days featuring major auctions or competitions. Therefore, checking the daily show guide before you travel will help you choose the best time to attend.
The official ADIHEX Show Guide provides a detailed overview of each day’s programme, including auctions, competitions, and special events. This guide is an essential planning tool, particularly for visitors travelling from outside the UAE who want to align their trip with specific highlights.
ADIHEX 2026 at a Glance: Key Figures
The scale of ADIHEX is genuinely impressive. The 2025 edition recorded several standout figures that illustrate why this event has become the largest of its kind.
The exhibition covered 92,000 square metres of space across the ADNEC Centre. It featured 2,068 exhibitors and brands, spanning 15 distinct sectors. Visitors came from 68 countries, contributing to a total attendance of 379,572 people over the course of the event.
For 2026, organisers expect these numbers to grow further. The event is positioned as a premier commercial gateway to the UAE, the wider Gulf Cooperation Council region, and international markets beyond. Additionally, the event offers integrated marketing support across online, onsite, and media channels, reflecting its role as both a cultural celebration and a serious business platform.
Falconry and the Famous Falcon Auctions
Falconry sits at the heart of ADIHEX. The event is organised by the Emirates Falconers’ Club, an organisation founded specifically to protect and promote this ancient practice. Falconry has deep roots in Emirati culture, and ADIHEX provides one of the most significant platforms in the world for falconers, breeders, and enthusiasts to gather.
One of the most anticipated parts of the event is the falcon auction. These auctions allow bidders to acquire some of the finest falcons available, with both live, in-person bidding and online access for international buyers. The auctions are renowned for their quality and authenticity, attracting serious collectors and falconry enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.
Beyond the auctions, falcon-handling sessions allow visitors, including families and children, to get close to these remarkable birds. These sessions combine education with hands-on experience, making them popular with first-time visitors who may not be familiar with falconry traditions.
Equestrian Sports and Live Demonstrations
Equestrian culture is another central pillar of ADIHEX. The event showcases everything related to horses, from purebred Arabian horses to modern equestrian equipment and technology.
Live horse shows form a major part of the daily programme. These shows highlight the skill of riders and the quality of the horses on display, often drawing large crowds throughout the exhibition halls and outdoor arenas. Additionally, visitors can meet expert trainers and breeders, gaining insight into the care, training, and breeding practices behind world-class horses.
Historical reenactments add a unique dimension to the equestrian programme. These include displays of traditional riding techniques and archery skills, performed in period-appropriate style. For visitors interested in the cultural history of the region, these reenactments offer a vivid connection to the past.
Outdoor Adventure, Hunting and Marine Sports
ADIHEX extends well beyond falconry and horses. The event includes dedicated sectors for hunting equipment, outdoor adventure gear, marine sports, and fishing.
Archery and shooting sports attract visitors looking for adrenaline and excitement. Live demonstrations allow attendees to watch skilled competitors in action, while exhibitor stands showcase the latest equipment for hunting and target sports.
The marine and fishing sectors reflect the UAE’s long coastal heritage. Visitors can explore fishing equipment, traditional fishing techniques, and modern marine sports gear side by side. This sector appeals particularly to visitors interested in the maritime traditions of the Gulf region, alongside contemporary recreational fishing trends.
Camping and outdoor leisure equipment also feature prominently. With outdoor recreation continuing to grow in popularity across the UAE, this sector showcases everything from camping gear to off-road vehicle equipment, appealing to adventure-minded visitors of all ages.
Heritage, Handicrafts and Cultural Experiences
Heritage preservation runs through every part of ADIHEX. The exhibition includes dedicated areas for traditional Emirati crafts, where artisans demonstrate skills passed down through generations.
Visitors can explore handcrafted items, including artisan knives, traditional garments, and rare collectibles that are difficult to find anywhere else. These items often carry significant cultural value, representing techniques and designs unique to the region.
Cultural activities go beyond simple displays. Visitors can take part in interactive experiences such as Arabic coffee etiquette sessions, which introduce guests to traditional hospitality customs. These activities are designed to be educational as well as enjoyable, offering a genuine connection to Emirati culture rather than a purely commercial encounter.
Family-Friendly Activities
ADIHEX is designed to welcome visitors of all ages. Families travelling with children will find a wide range of activities suited to younger visitors.
Falcon-handling sessions, mentioned earlier, are popular with children as well as adults. Additionally, creative art corners give younger visitors the chance to engage with hands-on activities in a relaxed setting. Emirati etiquette workshops for children introduce younger generations to cultural customs and traditions in an age-appropriate way.
These family-oriented features reflect the broader goal of ADIHEX. The event aims to inspire, educate, and entertain visitors of every background, not just specialists or industry professionals. Therefore, even visitors with no prior connection to hunting or equestrian sports will find plenty to enjoy.
Business Opportunities at ADIHEX
While ADIHEX has strong cultural roots, it is also a significant business event. The exhibition offers dedicated business zones where exhibitors can connect with premium buyers, distributors, and decision-makers.
Sectors represented include falconry, equestrian, marine, camping, arts and crafts, weapons, and outdoor gear, among others. For companies entering the Middle East and North Africa region, or looking to expand their presence within it, ADIHEX provides direct access to a highly targeted international audience.
Government stakeholders and VIP buyers are also part of the visitor mix. This combination of cultural prestige and commercial opportunity is part of what makes ADIHEX unique compared to other trade exhibitions. Additionally, the event’s reputation for high-value spending makes it particularly attractive to exhibitors in premium and specialist product categories.
Practical Tips for Visiting ADIHEX 2026
A successful visit to ADIHEX requires a little planning, particularly given the scale and nine-day duration of the event. Consider the following tips before you go:
- Check the official ADIHEX Show Guide in advance to identify which days feature the auctions, competitions, or demonstrations you most want to see.
- Book parking ahead of time through the secure parking option on the official website, especially if visiting on a weekend.
- Arrive early if you want to attend falcon auctions or popular live demonstrations, as these draw large crowds.
- Wear comfortable clothing suited to both indoor exhibition halls and outdoor arenas, since the event spans both environments.
- If travelling with children, plan time for family-friendly activities such as falcon-handling sessions and craft corners.
- Allow extra time to explore the heritage and handicraft sections, as these areas often contain unique items not available elsewhere.
- If you are attending for business purposes, review the exhibitor list and sector map beforehand to prioritise the zones most relevant to your industry.
Conclusion
ADIHEX 2026 brings together heritage, sport, and business on an extraordinary scale. Running from August 28 to September 6 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the event combines centuries-old traditions in falconry, equestrian sports, and hunting with modern outdoor adventure, marine sports, and international trade opportunities. With 2,068 exhibitors, 92,000 square metres of exhibition space, and visitors from 68 countries in the most recent edition, ADIHEX stands as the largest event of its kind in the world. Whether you are drawn by the falcon auctions, the live horse shows, the family activities, or the business opportunities, careful planning around tickets, parking, and the daily show guide will help you make the most of your visit to this remarkable celebration of Emirati culture and global heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and where does ADIHEX 2026 take place?
ADIHEX 2026 runs from August 28 to September 6, 2026, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, located on Khaleej Al Arabi Street in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The event spans nine days, making it one of the longest exhibitions on the UAE calendar.
How can I buy tickets for ADIHEX 2026?
Tickets can be purchased through the official website at adihex.com. The site also provides visitor information, including parking options and the official Show Guide, which outlines the daily programme of auctions, competitions, and demonstrations.
What can visitors expect to see at ADIHEX?
Visitors can expect falcon auctions, live horse shows, historical reenactments, archery and shooting demonstrations, marine and fishing displays, traditional handicrafts, and family-friendly activities such as falcon-handling sessions and creative art corners. The event covers 15 sectors across 92,000 square metres of exhibition space.
Is ADIHEX suitable for families and children?
Yes, ADIHEX is designed for visitors of all ages. Families will find falcon-handling sessions, art corners, and Emirati etiquette workshops for children. These activities combine education with hands-on experience, making the event enjoyable for visitors with no prior background in hunting or equestrian sports.
Who organises ADIHEX and why is it significant?
ADIHEX is organised by the Emirates Falconers’ Club, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Since its founding in 2003, it has grown into the largest exhibition in the world for hunting, equestrian sports, falconry, and heritage preservation, attracting visitors and exhibitors from dozens of countries each year.
