UAE's best camels on show in capital

Abu Dhabi: The four-day Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, 2008 (Adihex) starting on Wednesday will feature the world's biggest camel auction and an auction for hybrid falcons. The show will be held at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Centre.

The show that aims to highlight the culture and heritage of the UAE is organised by the Emirates Falconers' Club, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (Adach), Sorouh Real Estate and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Mohammad Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said 526 companies from 37 countries have confirmed their participation in the evnt, an increase of 22 per cent from the last edition. Apart from the camel and falcon auctions, this year's Adihex will also feature a horse show for yearlings up to three years of age. The Saluki beauty contest, art competitions and other traditional hunting activities are also part of the event.

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About 80 of the UAE's best camels donated by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, will be auctioned off and the proceeds will go towards camel research.

The falcon auction, aimed at protecting endangered wild falcons from extinction, will this year feature hybrid birds instead of wild ones.

With starting prices fixed between Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 for falcons based on their type (Barbari, Gyr Shaheen, Biyour), size (16 to 18 inches) and weight (1,100 to 1,400 grams) the falcon auction is expected to be a big draw.

Adihex visitors will also get to enjoy folklore and other cultural shows while a painting and photograph exhibition highlighting the UAE's culture and heritage will also be held on the sidelines.

A permanent security committee has been set up to oversee licensing of hunting weapons, ease paper work and to raise awareness on the acquisition of such weapons, the organisers said.