Abu Dhabi, 4 September 2025: The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a purely cultural and heritage event into a dynamic national platform championing Emirati entrepreneurship and innovation, fully aligned with the Made in the Emirates initiative. The exhibition highlights heritage industries such as falconry, equestrianism, camping, handicrafts and sustainable tourism, recognising them as vital pillars of local industry and drivers of global trade. 

Among the notable participants this year is entrepreneur Rawdha Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director of Al Hoor Hunting and Camping Supplies, with an exhibit that artfully fuses authenticity and innovation. She designs handbag and car accessories inspired by Emirati heritage, using entirely local materials. And the business is a family one too - Rawdha leads the design process while her sister oversees packaging and printing, before the handcrafted production begins using traditional elements. The project has expanded to include bespoke candles, carefully transported in cooled conditions to ensure quality. These candles embody the spirit of traditional Emirati art, supported by governmental entrepreneurship initiatives.

In the Arts and Crafts Sector, Ali Almoosawi, General Manager of Asati, showcases meticulously designed traditional canes made from select woods sourced from Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan for Emirati tastes. These canes stand out for their variety and quality, incorporating symbolic elements such as the UAE emblem - making them perfect gifts for national occasions. The project pays emphasises customer interaction, transforming ideas and hobbies into unique designs that tell stories, such as canes symbolising hunting, gazelles, and pearls. With special collections focused on hunting and equestrian themes, each design highlights its symbolism and visual appeal, positioning the company as a leading platform reviving heritage in a modern, attractive style.

In the Knives Sector Abdullah Hassan Al-Ahmad, an Emirati knifemaker, said: “This is my fourth participation in the exhibition, which I see a true gateway to public exposure. All the knives I display are entirely my own designs and execution, from cutting the metal and shaping the edge to manufacturing the sheath and final inspection.” 

He added: “I created my own brand under the name Oryx, inspired by the Arabian oryx, to reflect my Emirati identity in every piece. Even the names of the designs are derived from our local environment, each of which carries a special symbolism inspired by gazelles and the Arabian oryx.” 

Al-Ahmad explained that his designs serve a variety of everyday uses, from cooking to travel and hunting, and even tactical purposes. He emphasised his commitment to using high-quality materials such as Damascus steel, treated wood, and rare natural materials. 

He added: "Each knife has a story to tell, and it takes about a month of meticulous craftsmanship to create. I say to anyone who purchases one of my pieces – ‘You are not just purchasing a tool, but a piece of art that will be passed down to future generations, proudly made it in the UAE’."

ADIHEX 2025, running until September 7th, demonstrates that Emirati heritage is not merely part of the cherished past, but the foundation for a prosperous future led by passionate minds dedicated to creativity and excellence.