The Emirates News Agency reported that the International Fund for Houbara Conservation and Ekthar reinforced their collaboration during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition by concluding three new agreements that will expand scientific research, capacity building and habitat protection efforts. The pacts were signed at the Sheikh Zayed Houbara Conservation Programme pavilion which operated under the theme “The Legacy Lives On” and traced nearly five decades of work inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Officials from both organisations said the deals build on an established operational partnership that combines IFHC’s strategic oversight with Ekthar’s technical and scientific delivery across breeding centres and release sites.
According to a statement from the International Fund for Houbara Conservation the Sheikh Zayed programme has produced more than 1.1 million houbara birds since 1977 and released over 668,000 into the wild to help restore ecological balance across multiple regions. The conservation network now spans 22 countries where initiatives focus on improving release survival rates protecting migration corridors and conducting genetic research to support long-term population viability. IFHC figures show annual production reached 107,808 Asian and North African houbara in the most recent cycle contributing to sustained growth in wild populations.
Mohamed AlMotawa AlDhaheri Acting Director General of the International Fund for Houbara Conservation told exhibition visitors that ADIHEX provides an important platform to share the progress of a conservation journey that began with the pioneering vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan nearly five decades ago. He added that the programme now extends across 22 countries demonstrating what can be achieved when long-term vision is matched by sustained scientific commitment. The partnership with Ekthar has enabled continuous refinement of breeding protocols veterinary care and post-release monitoring techniques.
In a related development witnessed by H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan the International Fund for Houbara Conservation signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi to promote natural heritage awareness and educational programmes centred on biodiversity. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi joined Mohamed Almotawa AlDhaheri in formalising the pact which emphasises the houbara’s role as a cultural symbol in UAE heritage. The agreement will facilitate joint exhibitions knowledge exchange and community outreach activities throughout the emirate.
The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi also concluded a separate memorandum of understanding with Ekthar Wildlife Development during the same exhibition to advance wildlife conservation biodiversity monitoring and sustainable resource management. Maitha Al Hameli Acting Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD signed alongside Frédéric Lacroix Chief Executive Officer of Ekthar. The pact covers species recovery genetics research and falconry-related practices while enabling data sharing and capacity-building projects across Abu Dhabi’s desert and marine ecosystems.
Ekthar further agreed to operate the newly launched Houbara Breeders Support Initiative which offers structured training and technical guidance to Emirati breeders seeking to establish responsible sustainable operations. Participants will complete specialist workshops through the Abu Dhabi Nature Academy covering facility management health protocols and compliance standards before receiving ongoing IFHC support. The initiative aims to raise sector-wide standards and strengthen local participation in the broader conservation framework.
Public records from previous ADIHEX editions indicate the exhibition regularly attracts thousands of specialists dignitaries and enthusiasts each year providing a dedicated forum for knowledge exchange on heritage-linked sustainability. The 23rd edition organised by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Emirates Falconers’ Club ran from August 28 to September 6 at the ADNEC Centre under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Multiple pavilions highlighted how traditional practices can integrate with modern technologies to support environmental goals.
