Footfall continues to rise as participants compete for top prizes. ADACH stand among most visited; cultural activities continue on day 3 and 4. Arabian Saluki Beauty contest kicks off today. ADIHEX 2010 runs until September 25.
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2010 continued to witness high footfall as number of visitors on second day exceeded 21,900. The ADACH stand at the exhibition has emerged as one of the most popular, with a range of unique cultural activities for visitors to participate.
Activities scheduled at ADACH stand for day 3 and 4 include folklore dancing for children and adults, heritage souk, Sogha – handicraft making workshops for children, poetry board, Emarat FM radio contest, Hamdoon – Young archaeologist activities for children, and the Al Dhafrah Festival to educate children about camels. The stand also hosts a national library section, showcasing latest publications in falconry, hunting, and horsemanship in addition to manuscripts, as well as a talent and creativity corner for children to learn and perform traditional performing arts.
The ADACH stand is located in Hall 9 of the exhibition.
Competition Highlights
Arabic Coffee Brewing
The Arab coffee brewing competition represents the art of preparing Arabic coffee. Deeply ingrained in the inherent heritage of the Arab world, coffee brewing and its related traditions are a mark of hospitality and generosity. Coffee is also linked to late night Bedouin gatherings, which seek to revitalize the oral and poetic heritage.
The ADACH stand located in Hall 9 hosts the Arabic coffee brewing competition daily at 5pm. Winners stand to receive a total of AED 45,000 in cash prizes.
Photography and Painting
Among the art competitions currently ongoing at ADIHEX 2010, one of the most popular is the photography competition. Focusing on the theme of heritage through a variety of techniques and methods including photographs and impressionist portraits, participants are required to produce their creative best on lens.
Arab life in the desert has always been an attraction to artists whether they were international, Middle-Eastern or Arabs. This competition pays tribute to traditional fine arts, reflecting and documenting the lives of Bedouins in past centuries. Applicants for the competition come from all GCC states.
Participants are competing for a top three prizes of AED 5,000; AED 3,000 and AED 2,000 in this competition, winners of which will be announced on September 25.
Aditionally, ADIHEX is hosting a painting competition, winners of which will receive a prizes of AED 7,000; AED 5,000 and AED 3,000 for the first, second and third place respectively.
Saluki Beauty Contest
This year’s ADIHEX again feature a beauty contest for what is arguably the world’s most beautiful breed of dog.
Organized by the Arabian Saluki Centre, the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest gives Saluki owners an opportunity to showcase their precious hounds – both smooth and feathered – on an international show level. The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest starts today 12 noon at Hall 12 of ADNEC.
Over 170 salukis will compete in the two categories of feathered and smoothed. Winners of the competition will receive valuable prizes.
Salukis will be judged upon the standard characteristics of the breed (head, general structure, coat, movement and general impression). However, unlike European dog shows, the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest judges not only on the standards of the breed, but also values the Saluki’s predominant roles – hunting, chasing and guarding – the psychological attributes – bravery and dominance.
Director of the Arabian Saluki Centre, Hamad Al Ghanem said: “The show gives us the opportunity to highlight not only the incredible characteristics of the breed itself, but to further create public awareness in our proud cultural heritage, especially for the younger generations.
“Throughout the times and changing generations, the traditional values and ethics of Arabian Bedouin are being forgotten and it is our duty to preserve and celebrate them for future generations.”
Arabian Salukis are one of the world’s oldest breeds; history shows that they can be traced back almost 13,000 years. Originating from the Arabian Peninsula, these desert hounds, which are known for their exceptional stamina, intelligence and loyalty, were bred to assist man in chasing prey and catching it in the harsh desert climate. Arabian salukis are highly prized by the Bedouins not only for the hunting purpose, but as a companion and a member of the family.
ADIHEX 2010 is being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s representative in Al Gharbia (the Western Region) of Abu Dhabi, the Chairman of the Emirates Falconers Club (EFC), with support from ADACH and the Organization of the Emirates Falconers Club.
The event is co-sponsored by leading corporate organizations including Abu-Dhabi Sports Council, Invest AD, HSBC, Bonyan, Wathba Stud Farm and Areej Al Ameerat.
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