Success of efforts to conserve the Houbara bustard showcased in Abu Dhabi

IFHC's participation comes as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve the Houbara bustard and maintain the tradition of falconry within Arabian culture in line with the objectives of the Abu Dhabi government.

Commenting on this ground-breaking step for IFHC, its Director General Mohammed Saleh Al Baidani, said: "IFHC is one of the world's major conservation programmes and has a message of success to spread. This has been significant year with the launch of IFHC's website and the publication of our first annual report. Our stand at ADIHEX represents another step in making the voice of the Houbara both distinctive and louder across the globe."

The theme for this year's event is education and there will be a lot for visitors to learn. The uniquely designed stand takes visitors through Abu Dhabi and IFHC's historical journey of saving and preserving the Houbara. Visitors can also explore the ecology museum and listen to presentations by experts, which will provide a greater understanding of Houbara behaviour. Live Houbara will also be on the stand in a recreation of their natural habitat. Another highlight of this year's event will be a play about the Houbara created and performed by local school children.

In accordance with this year's theme there will be plenty for children to do on the IFHC stand, A Kids' Corner will provide electronic video games and face painting. Children will also have the opportunity to take pictures with the Houbara mascot: 'Haboor.'

IFHC's participation highlights the importance of the Houbara in Abu Dhabi's cultural heritage. The future of the Houbara and falconry are intrinsically linked and supports the global strategy of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates to conserve the Houbara bustard for future generations.

"The Houbara bustard has been and will always be a pillar of our Arabian heritage through its importance in the ancient tradition of falconry. Only through preserving and conserving this precious bird can we ensure traditional falconry is maintained in the long term," added Al Baidani.

ADIHEX will be taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in Abu Dhabi, from September 5-8, 2012.