ADIHEX enhances efforts to preserve Handicraft Sustainability

The “Arts and Crafts” sector in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) highlights the aesthetics of the UAE cultural heritage, where efforts are exerted to raise awareness of the importance of preserving traditional crafts and professions and the sustainability of traditional industries.

ADIHEX, held under the theme "Sustainability and Heritage... A Reborn Aspiration" was keen to strongly depict the masterpieces of handicrafts that personalize the UAE great history, authentic heritage and ancient environment in its events celebrating the cultural heritage and human civilization from different continents. 

The next 19th edition of the exhibition "ADIHEX 2022" will be organized by Emirates Falconers' Club from the upcoming September 26th to October 2nd , and sponsored by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, International Fund for Houbara Conservation and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre where the event is being held.

ADIHEX provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the UAE culture and its authentic heritage through the diverse and innovative features it offers, which raise their awareness of the importance of preserving the environment and wildlife, and encourage them to practice environmentally friendly sports in a sustainable manner.

The “Arts and Crafts” sector presents a major artistic platform to display the products of an elite group of Emirati creators, individuals, and organizations, which is a real opportunity for communication between them and enthusiasts of the artistic cultural heritage.

His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of ADIHEX and Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers' Club emphasized that ADIHEX is not only an international forum for the manufacturers of the hunting equipment and weapons, and those interested in land and sea trips, or fans of falconry and equestrian, but rather hosts several participations of craftsmen that are in harmony with the event essence and content, which embodies history and heritage and simulates the ancient environment, as they are derived from the UAE authentic customs and traditions, which contributes to ensuring the sustainability and promotion of handicrafts.

The last edition witnessed a remarkable presence of various handicrafts and heritage crafts with the participation of several entities, the most important of which was Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts Foundation, one of the most pioneering projects of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, assistant of HH the President of the Red Crescent Authority for Women's Affairs, which aims to empower low income women working in the field of sustainable crafts, raise capabilities and skills in designing, manufacturing and marketing local products, and preserve heritage crafts. More than 200 female artisans from different parts of the UAE are among the members of Al Ghadeer Foundation. 

About her participation in the last edition of ADIHEX, Sheikha Maitha bint Ahmed bin Mubarak Al Nahyan Foundation states that ADIHEX is one of the most important national events, as it provides an opportunity for remembering our rich traditions, recalling our glorious heritage, and highlighting our ancestors’ hobbies and crafts. She emphasized that hunting and equestrian symbolise the concepts of chivalry, magnanimity and dignity, and are among the hobbies that the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, loved and keen on, given its positive effects on the members of society, especially the youth.

The Khalifa Fund also participated in ADIHEX with 21 projects of SMEs under its umbrella. Mouza Obaid Al Nasseri, Acting CEO of the Fund said that the Fund participation is a part of its strategy to spread the culture of entrepreneurship, promote SMEs and enhance their capabilities, contributes to supporting the Emirati heritage and encourage national entrepreneurs to establish innovative projects that would contribute to meeting UAE needs, while instilling a culture of positive change for small, medium enterprises and start-ups, and supporting sustainable development for future generations.

Saeed bin Ali Al-Mannai, Director of Activities Department at Emirates Heritage Club stated that the Club has been participating annually in ADIHEX, being a platform for several heritage exhibitions that reflects the diversity of authentic Emirati heritage, presents it to visitors, and introduces it in this great international forum including an exhibition for the ancient traditional crafts, which focuses on women’s crafts such as Saf Al-Khus, Al-Sado, and Al-Tali. Another exhibition is the maritime exhibition which introduces the profession of pearl divers and fishing trips. It presents models of pearls and equipment used by divers as well as live shows of the marine industries.

Last year, the Emirati companies presented many products that can be used in daily life, and sometimes in fishing trips. Exhibitors presented many products, "Ghutra", "Al-Aqal" and "Kanadir" for men and women’s "galabiyas" decorated with embroideries which reflect the local character, or leather products.

Some of the female artisans emphasized the importance of their presence in  ADIHEX, being a true opportunity for them to market their handworks, through which they preserve the old crafts practiced by their mothers and grandmothers, to be maintained for future generations.