Preparations continue for Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition - Abu Dhabi 2008

The meeting was chaired by Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and board member of Emirates Falconers' Club, who advised the Organizing Committee to take all necessary measurements to attract exhibitors and visitors from around the world.

Mazrouei urged the Committee to provide the necessary facilities for the visitors, implement an extensive media plans inside and outside of the United Arab Emirates, and intensify traditional events for children.

According to ADACH, Abu Dhabi 2007 had attracted around 500 exhibitors from more than 30 different countries around the world, causing the event to become an annual gathering for those who interested in hunting and equestrian activities in Gulf states.

The sales of exhibitors in Abu Dhabi 2007 had increased more than 60% compared with Abu Dhabi 2006, and about 85% of exhibitors who took part in Abu Dhabi 2007 said they will participate in Abu Dhabi 2008, according to ADACH.

About 99% of Abu Dhabi 2007 visitors said they were happy with the exhibition, stressing that they and will encourage more people to it from their countries in Abu Dhabi 2008, ADACH polls showed.

The majority of the surveyed visitors said that the event represents the only chance for them to view the developments in the world of hunting and equestrian.

Mazrouei stressed that despite the success of the previous exhibitions, ADACH will continue to put maximum effort to ensure a remarkable outcome in 2008.

The exhibition, which is meant to highlight the culture and heritage of the United Arab Emirates, will see the participation of companies specialized in falcon medicines and treatment, falcon captive-breeding farms, as well as manufacturers of all equestrian sport accessories, hunting equipment, rifles, fishing equipment, marine equipment, and tour and safari organisers.

The event, which is sponsored by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers' Club (EFC), and organised by the EFC in cooperation with TURIT with support from ADACH, will be held October 8-11, 2008.