The ADNEC Group has expanded the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition to its largest scale while emphasising the event’s role in connecting traditional practices to contemporary environmental strategies, according to its managing director and group chief executive. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri noted that the 2026 edition of ADIHEX, running from August 28 to September 6 at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, has seen a 17 percent rise in exhibitors to 2,405 companies and brands from 71 countries. The exhibition organiser added four new sectors this year, including those focused on camels, Arabian Salukis, knives and a heritage souq, as part of efforts to broaden its appeal and educational impact.
Al Dhaheri told WAM that ADIHEX serves as a successful model of integrating heritage and sustainable development. “This year’s edition is the largest in the exhibition’s history since its inception in 2003 and reflects record growth across all key performance indicators, including exhibition space, exhibitor participation and the number of participating countries,” Al Dhaheri said. This approach aligns with the group’s broader sustainability initiatives, which include a net zero transition plan launched in 2024 and partnerships to power venues with clean energy, a PwC Middle East review of regional efforts indicated.
ADNEC Group figures show the organisation contributed AED 8.5 billion to Abu Dhabi’s economy in 2024 while supporting more than 62,000 jobs across the UAE. The group has also implemented renewable energy projects such as a 5 MWp rooftop solar system at its main centre expected to meet 30 percent of the venue’s electricity needs and reduce carbon emissions by around 6,000 tonnes annually. These efforts demonstrate how heritage-driven events like ADIHEX complement corporate commitments to environmental responsibility and long-term resource management, according to the group’s ESG report.
Tadweer Group said in a statement that it is participating for the first time at ADIHEX 2026 as sector sponsor for environmental conservation and cultural heritage. Its “Legacy of Sustainability” exhibit highlights Emirati heritage of mindful resource use and aims to educate visitors on reducing food waste and adopting circular economy practices. Workshops will allow attendees to create reusable items inspired by traditional designs, linking past customs to present-day sustainability actions, Tadweer Group added.
The International Fund for Houbara Conservation announced in a joint statement with Ekthar that it is presenting its programme at the exhibition under the theme “The Legacy Lives On.” The pavilion traces the conservation efforts initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and showcases modern scientific approaches to species protection, according to the organisers. Educational workshops and displays will engage visitors on how cultural heritage supports ongoing wildlife preservation and environmental stewardship.
Al Dhaheri has previously described ADIHEX as reflecting a blend of authenticity and modernity that contributes to preserving Emirati heritage while fostering sustainable development. The exhibition’s growth underscores increasing global recognition of these interconnected values in the region, ADNEC Group data shows. Organisers expect the 10-day event to attract record visitor numbers based on last year’s nearly 380,000 attendees reported by WAM.
