Inside ADIHEX 2026: From Arabian horses to cyber safety
text_fields
A family visiting ADNEC can watch purebred Arabian horses, encounter trained police dogs, try simulated falconry and learn how to identify an online scam, all during the same exhibition.
This unusual combination of heritage, entertainment and practical education shaped the seventh day of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2026.
Also known as Abu Dhabi 2026, the event brings government bodies, specialist businesses and exhibitors from the UAE and other countries together at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
The exhibition is being held under the theme “Our Heritage, Our Pride”. Its latest edition is the largest so far by exhibition area, exhibitor numbers and participating brands.
Heritage visitors can experience
Rather than placing Emirati traditions behind display cases, ADIHEX allows visitors to encounter many of them through live shows and interactive activities.
Thursday’s program featured purebred Arabian horses, Arabian Salukis and demonstrations of falconry, horse riding and tent pegging.
One performance brought horses together with the UAE flag, while simulated experiences allowed visitors to explore riding and falconry more directly.
The activities introduced people from different ages and cultural backgrounds to sports and practices with deep roots in Emirati life.
Experiences were also provided for People of Determination and visitors interested in trying horse riding.
Police dogs draw families
Abu Dhabi Police staged a security scenario, police dog demonstrations and a musical performance by its band.
The program also included a presentation featuring dogs rescued in the UAE.
For children and families, the demonstrations offered a close view of trained animals and their ability to work alongside police officers.
The police program moved from physical security to risks faced by people on their phones and computers.
A cybersecurity workshop explained how criminals create false websites and online offers that resemble trusted companies or official platforms.
Such schemes are designed to persuade users to disclose personal information or financial details.
The session added a practical digital-safety element to an exhibition more commonly associated with hunting, falconry and horses.
International performances
The day-seven program extended beyond Emirati traditions.
Visitors watched African drumming, dance and acrobatic performances, as well as a Japanese Taiko drumming show.
A specialist workshop about horses and an interactive question-and-answer session gave visitors further opportunities to participate instead of simply observing.
Equestrian displays continue to be one of ADIHEX’s main attractions.
The shows present the appearance and movement of purebred Arabian horses while demonstrating the control, balance and training skills of their riders.
Visitors can also learn about horse breeding and care, together with the place of horses in Emirati and wider Arab culture.
The displays trace a relationship between people and horses that has continued for generations, with knowledge of riding, training and horsemanship passed from one generation to the next.
Activities for children translate that history into accessible experiences, helping younger visitors understand why horses, falcons and Salukis remain important parts of the UAE’s cultural identity.
Through this mix of live heritage, digital simulations, international performances and public-awareness sessions, ADIHEX presents established traditions in formats designed for today’s visitors.