The Founder’s Office has established a pavilion featuring a traditional Meylas Megnas at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition to showcase the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. According to WAM, the immersive experience draws from the historic Majlis at the Royal Stables and aims to acquaint the public with the founding father’s values and cultural contributions. The setup includes interactive sessions and activities running for the duration of the event, which opened on August 28.
Visitors to the Meylas Megnas can participate in a special craft workshop designed to celebrate Emirati heritage through hands-on engagement with traditional skills. The pavilion highlights documented aspects of Sheikh Zayed’s life, including his recipe for Arabic coffee as a symbol of hospitality and generosity. Cooperation with multiple entities allows for a diverse program of educational opportunities focused on sustainability, unity and other core principles.
The exhibition itself has grown substantially, extending to 10 days and featuring more than 2,400 exhibitors from 71 countries across 107,000 square metres. A Gulf News assessment found this represents a 17 percent increase in both space and participating brands compared with the previous year. Organizers expect hundreds of thousands of visitors to engage with the various sectors including falconry, equestrian sports and cultural heritage displays.
In addition to the Founder’s Office participation, other pavilions at ADIHEX 2026 are presenting interactive workshops on Emirati crafts such as Al Safeefah and Talli weaving. The Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council reported that its sessions allow attendees to follow the stages of traditional product making while emphasizing the transmission of knowledge to younger generations. Such activities complement the broader focus on preserving UAE cultural practices amid rapid modernization.
The event, organized by ADNEC Group in partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club, incorporates family-oriented programs including the Young Hunters and Riders Village. These initiatives introduce children to falconry techniques, Saluki dog care and Arabian horse grooming through practical workshops. According to event coverage in The National, the expanded family component strengthens community bonds and instills cultural values in new generations.
This year’s edition underscores the role of heritage events in maintaining national identity, with the Meylas experience providing a direct link to Sheikh Zayed’s vision for the UAE. The Founder’s Office pavilion uses archival materials and historical research to ensure accuracy in all presented content. Activities continue until the exhibition closes on September 6 at the ADNEC Centre.
