News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – ADIHEX, the Abu Dhabi International Hunting Exhibition, has kicked off submissions for its annual competition honoring the finest sculptures of traditional handcrafts for the second consecutive year. This initiative aligns with ADIHEX’s commitment to promoting the sustainability of heritage professions and traditional industries, echoing the theme of this year’s exhibition, “Sustainability and Heritage… A Reborn Aspiration,” in celebration of the Year of Sustainability.
The competition’s primary objectives include spotlighting the United Arab Emirates’ diverse and rich heritage, preserving Emirati traditions and crafts for future generations, fostering innovation in heritage crafts, and promoting knowledge exchange among individuals and businesses in the handicraft industry. Additionally, it seeks to raise awareness of the significance of preserving traditional crafts.
To participate and be eligible for victory, artworks must meet certain criteria. They must have been created in 2023 and be exhibited during the 20th edition of ADIHEX. Natural materials relevant to Emirati heritage must be used, emphasizing the quality and compatibility of these materials, craftsmanship, precision in production, and adherence to safety standards. The sculptures’ dimensions should be practical, expressing styles from ancient lifestyles or traditional professions and promoting the sustainability of handicraft industries. Furthermore, the artworks must be available to consumers at reasonable prices, provided they are produced in sufficient quantities for purchase by visitors and tourists. Both individuals and companies of all nationalities are invited to participate.
In the previous ADIHEX edition in 2022, “Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts” secured the first-place position in the best traditional handicraft sculptures contest, followed by “Bayt Al Khanyar” in second place and “Abu Dhabi Register for Artisans” in third place.
The “Arts and Crafts” sector at ADIHEX serves as a vital platform for showcasing the creative talents of Emiratis, fostering communication between artists, institutions, and the art-loving public, while celebrating cultural heritage and human civilization from around the world.
ADIHEX 2023, organized by the Emirates Falconers’ Club, will take place from August 23 to 29, with official sponsorship from the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). Key sector partner Caracal International LLC and industry partners, including the International Association for Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey, the European Foundation for Falconry and Conservation, the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Dubai International Horse Fair, The Game Fair – France, and JAGD & HUND in Germany, will join the event. ARB Emirates serves as the official automotive partner, and visitor experience partners include Mohamed bin Zayed Falconry & Desert Physiognomy School and the Arabian Saluki Center in Abu Dhabi.
