The 22nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2025 witnessed a remarkable presence from various Emirati institutions, showcasing interactive smart pavilions and advanced platforms that highlighted the UAE’s heritage through innovative digital approaches that blend traditional elements with modern technology.
Participants emphasized that the exhibition served as a strategic platform for enhancing partnerships and opening new markets, while also playing a crucial role in showcasing the growing importance of national industries in the fields of hunting, equestrian sports, and crafts.
Moreover, they noted that Emirati companies benefited from the event by strengthening their strategic partnerships with global entities and gaining access to new markets for exporting their products.
The Hamdan bin Mohammed Center for Heritage Revival attracted a significant audience with its smart platform, which combined entertainment and education, introducing visitors to characteristics of the Emirati heritage through interactive digital content designed for all age groups.
Rashed Harb Al-Khasouni, Director of Faza Championship Management, stated, “We present our heritage in a modern spirit that resonates with contemporary audience aspirations. We believe that preserving heritage begins with renewing the ways it is presented, ensuring it remains alive in the memories of future generations.”
He added, “We have utilized technology and digital advancements to present the Emirati heritage in a new light, making the platform both an educational and interactive experience. It is designed to reflect the values upheld by the center, offering intelligent, entertaining, and educational content that meets modern audience needs.”
The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research also participated by showcasing the “Union Encyclopedia,” which documents the intellectual and leadership heritage of the UAE.
Dr. Sultan Mohammed Al-Nuaimi, Director General of the Center, affirmed that the participation aligns with the center’s mission to enhance cultural awareness and highlight the leadership’s commitment to heritage, particularly in hunting and equestrian sports, which are integral to the national identity.
Meanwhile, the Sharjah Classic Cars Club revealed a rare 1960 Land Rover designed for hunting trips, manufactured in the UK. This vehicle is recognized as one of the iconic third-generation Land Rovers produced between 1960 and 1985.
Ahmed Saif Bin Hanzal, Director of the Sharjah Classic Cars Museum, remarked, “Exhibiting this vehicle reflects the historical relationship between hunting and off-road vehicles, and we illustrate this through a photo corner that combines falcons and vintage cars.”
Sensory Experience
The Abu Dhabi Environment Agency presented an interactive pavilion led by “Suhail,” an AI-powered virtual ambassador, where visitors engage in a visual and auditory environmental experience that highlights the unique biodiversity of the emirate.
Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of the agency, stated, “We engage visitors in a way that combines modernity with environmental messaging, providing content that inspires generations to preserve our natural heritage.”
He added, “The agency’s pavilion attracts visitors of all ages, as its interactive elements offer young people a fun experience that brings them closer to environmental conservation concepts, while adults discover new insights into Abu Dhabi’s pioneering efforts to protect biodiversity and heritage.”
Furthermore, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Agency offered a comprehensive heritage experience in its pavilion, including a showcase of traditional attire such as the “Mahzam,” a component of men’s traditional dress used for carrying ammunition, and “Al-Swaihiya,” a traditional women’s cloak. Visitors could learn about the designs and stories that reflect the refined taste of Emirati women, alongside support for entrepreneurs in projects based on the blessings of palm trees and dates.
Additionally, the pavilion informed attendees about events like the “Al Dhafra Heritage Festival” and the “Million’s Poet” program, providing interactive platforms for registration and participation in these initiatives.
Mohammed Suhail Al-Neyadi, Director General of the Office of Weapons and Hazardous Materials, launched the “Al Dar Aman” electronic services platform and signed memorandums of understanding with several national weapons companies involved in the licensed arms trade, including MP3 Global and Baynoona Trading for Military and Hunting Equipment, at the Al Dar Aman booth during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2025, in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Interior and Abu Dhabi Police as well as representatives from weapons companies.
The platform offers a comprehensive range of digital initiatives and services, providing individuals and businesses with safe and reliable solutions. Key initiatives include “Al Dar Aman and Guarantee Registration,” a national initiative that allows citizens with unlicensed weapons to regularize their possession, providing them legal coverage without exposing them to legal liability if registered within the specified timeframe (temporary initiative).
It also features “Exchange Initiative,” a digital service that allows citizens to exchange licensed firearms for modern hunting weapons for free (temporary initiative), in addition to the establishment of a new service for the sale and purchase of licensed firearms, allowing individuals to display, sell, and buy licensed guns in accordance with procedures established by the relevant authorities, ensuring verification of the parties’ eligibility in a safe and documented electronic manner.