Fritzjames Stephen
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will attract the interest of the animal lover with its exhibits. Falcons, salukis, horses and camels are some of the animals on display.
Peregrine falcons are the swiftest of all birds and are highly prized in falconry. These beautiful birds have been prized by falconers in the area of the Middle East for many centuries. In times past falconers used the birds to capture prey, which would supplement the diet of the local people. Falcons were also used for sending messages and falconry was greatly esteemed by the local inhabitants. Today falconry is pursued as a sport and many local Emiratis take great pride in the pastime. Over the years falconry has become an iconic cultural feature of the region and it remains a highly esteemed activity.
Gyrfalcons have the distinction of being the largest species of falcon and have been used by falconers in various parts of the world in their remarkable art. Gyrfalcons were considered to be greatly prestigious and in some lands only a king was entitled to hunt with them. The art of training falcons requires great expertise and skill, and has changed little over the centuries. A hood made of leather is placed over the eyes of the falcon and it is gradually trained to trust and obey the commands of the falconer. Eventually the falcon learns to recognize and respond to the wishes of the falconer.
The saluki is a breed of dog that is native to the Middle East. In times past it was so greatly prized for its hunting abilities, intelligence and obedience that their masters shared their food with the salukis. Even today the saluki is greatly esteemed by the people of the region and it is considered to be an iconic symbol of the local lifestyle. At the show salukis are judged for their physical qualities such as the form of the dog's head, its muscle structure, movement and the lustre of its coat. However the appraisal of the dogs does not end there, as they are also judged for their personality; the judges appreciate a dog that is proud, confident and dominant.
The much admired Arabian breed of horse is a greatly prized animal in the Middle East, esteemed for its speed, beauty and noble character. Over the centuries Arabians have coexisted with the inhabitants of the region who treasured this breed of horses for its use in transport as well as war. A well-bred Arabian horse will possess great energy and high intelligence as well as a relatively gentle temperament. The admirable qualities of Arabian horses have made them popular around the world, and they have been incorporated in the bloodlines of many modern breeds of riding horses. As you enjoy your Abu Dhabi excursions and admire the splendid native animals of the region, stay at a quality accommodation like the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. This attractive resort offers luxury and many modern amenities that will appeal to visitors to the region.
Camels are a central feature at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex). Camel racing has been a greatly valued aspect of the local culture over the course of time, with swift race-winning camels being greatly treasured. Many breeders compete to breed the finest camel bloodlines so as to produce consistent race winners. For the camel racing community in Abu Dhabi the yearly camel auction at Adihex is a much looked forward to event, where camel racing enthusiasts vie with each other to purchase the finest young camels. The exhibition is a great place for visitors to gain an insight into the world of camel racing.
