Abu Dhabi 2008 increases The International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition area by 27%

Al Qubaisi said the total area of the event at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center has increased from 22,232 square meters to 34,482 square meters, a 55% increase, while the net area of bookings has increased from 12,775 square meters to 16,281 square meters - a rise of about 27%.

"The growing demand for participation by hundreds of exhibitors from various countries underlines the continuing success of the Exhibition and its prestigious reputation,"

noted Al Qubaisi.

According to Al Qubaisi, the Organizing Committees are currently working on establishing the final numbers for the major exhibitors and their accompanying companies.

More details will be announced at a press conference for the Exhibition on Monday the 6th of October, 2008 at the headquarters of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage.

The Exhibition, which is sponsored by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Emirates Falconers' Club, and will be held on 8-11 October 2008, has witnessed more participation from the GCC states and various countries in the world.

Its accompanying events include many of the traditional competitions and activities that attract visitors and give the Exhibition its lively heritage character.

Figures show that sales of the exhibitors in 2007 increased by more than 60% compared to 2006, and that 95% of the exhibitors in 2007 had announced their wishes to participate in the 2008 session, adding that their participation would enhance opportunities to develop their work.

These figures emphasizes the leading role played by the Exhibition on hunting, equestrian, sports, and trade sectors, the organizers of the event noted.