ADIHEX 2026: Rare photos and documents highlight UAE’s hunting and equestrian heritage

Abu Dhabi's Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2026 is showcasing rare photographs, historical documents, and traditional weapons, shedding light on the UAE's deep-rooted connection with hunting, falconry, horse racing, and camel racing. The National Archives and Library are part of the exhibition, presenting their findings through a ship-shaped pavilion.

The pavilion features dozens of photographs, documents, films, and publications, all connected to the country's rich heritage. In collaboration with Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters's "Police Heritage" initiative, the exhibition includes traditional weapons, military cannons, and a focus on preserving traditional practices for younger generations.

Historical photographs and documentaries reveal the UAE's Sheikhs' passion for traditional sports, including falconry, horse racing, and camel racing. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's role in preserving Emirati traditions is highlighted through documentary screenings of his hunting trips. Historical pages from Al Ittihad newspaper from 1973 and 1976 offer a glimpse into how traditional sports and heritage events were reported decades ago.

The exhibition's bookshop is stocked with National Archives and Library publications on falconry, camels, horses, and racing, including Zayed: A Journey in Pictures, Al Adiyat, an encyclopaedia on horses, and Al Maamoura, which focuses on camels. Interactive games for children allow younger visitors to simulate horse and camel racing.

The National Archives and Library will also host lectures and cultural activities throughout ADIHEX, emphasizing the importance of preserving the UAE's cultural heritage and passing its traditions and history to future generations. ADIHEX 2026 opens with a record-breaking 2,405 exhibitors from 71 countries.