ADIHEX 2026 Abu Dhabi: Dates, Tickets and Complete Visitor Guide

Every year, one show turns Abu Dhabi into the beating heart of Arabian heritage, and it is bigger than most people expect. The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, or ADIHEX, is ten days of falcons, horses, camels, four-wheel drives, fishing gear and Emirati culture packed under one enormous roof. If you have lived in the UAE for a while and never been, 2026 is the year to fix that. Here is everything you need to plan your visit.

ADIHEX 2026 at a glance

What is ADIHEX and why it matters

ADIHEX started in 2003 and has grown into the largest event of its kind in the Middle East and Africa. On the surface it is a hunting and equestrian exhibition. In reality it is a celebration of the traditions that shaped this region long before the skyscrapers arrived, from falconry and horsemanship to the deep bond between Emiratis and the desert. It draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and exhibitors from dozens of countries, and it is held under the patronage of the Emirates Falconers’ Club.

For expats, it is one of the most genuine windows into Emirati culture you will find all year, and it happens to be a brilliant day out. You do not need to hunt, ride or own a falcon to enjoy it. You just need to be curious.

ADIHEX 2026 dates and hours

The 2026 edition runs from 28 August to 6 September, open 10:00 to 22:00 every day. That is a full ten days, so there is no need to rush your visit into a single crowded afternoon. Weekends are busiest. If you want a calmer walk-through, aim for a weekday morning soon after doors open, or an early evening on a weekday when the daytime crowds have thinned but the halls are still buzzing.

WOW Expert Tip: The halls are vast and the air-conditioning is strong, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer. You can easily clock 8,000 steps here without noticing.

Tickets and how to book

Tickets start from AED 35 and are available online ahead of the show as well as at the venue. Prices and any family or child concessions are confirmed on the official ADIHEX website closer to the event, so book through the official channel to be safe. We break down pricing, parking and the easiest ways to reach the venue in our dedicated ADIHEX tickets and directions guide.

The 15 sectors, explained for a first-timer

ADIHEX is organised into 15 sectors, and knowing what they are helps you plan a route rather than wandering in circles. Expect to find:

• Falconry – the show’s crown jewel, with birds, equipment and live handling
• Camels and equestrianism – breeders, tack, and everything horse and camel
• Saluki – the elegant Arabian hound, a Bedouin hunting companion
• Hunting rifles, guns and equipment – a major draw for enthusiasts
• Hunting tourism and safari – operators from around the world
• Fishing and marine sports – rods, reels and boats
• Outdoor leisure vehicles, RVs and caravans – built for desert adventure
• Shooting sports, veterinary services, arts and crafts, and environment and heritage preservation

Even if half of these are not your thing, the sheer scale and craftsmanship on display make it worth a wander. The arts and crafts and heritage zones alone are a feast for the eyes.

Falcon, horse and camel auctions

The live auctions are ADIHEX at its most theatrical. Prized falcons, horses and camels change hands for eye-watering sums, and you are welcome to watch even if you have no intention of bidding. In 2026 the falcon auction programme runs before and during the show, with pre-exhibition sessions on 15 to 16 and 22 to 23 August and in-show auctions on 29 to 30 August and 5 to 6 September. There is also an online bidding system, so international buyers can inspect records and bid remotely.

Watching a falcon auction is a genuine spectacle and a highlight for first-timers. We go deeper into how it works, the etiquette and the best photo spots in our falconry at ADIHEX guide.

Things to see and do

Beyond the stalls, ADIHEX runs a full programme of live demonstrations, competitions and hands-on experiences. Expect falcon-handling sessions, archery, shooting simulators, art workshops and cultural corners where you can watch Arabic coffee being prepared and learn about Emirati customs. Families are well looked after, with a Young Falconers Village that introduces children to falconry, animal welfare and heritage through guided activities.

Going with children? Our ADIHEX with kids family guide maps out the most kid-friendly zones and a sensible half-day plan. Want to know what is fresh this year? See what’s new at ADIHEX 2026.

Getting to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi

ADIHEX is held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi on Khaleej Al Arabi Street, roughly 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre and well signposted. There is ample on-site parking, and taxis and ride-hailing drop you right at the entrance. If you are driving from Dubai, plan for around 90 minutes each way and aim to arrive outside peak evening hours. Full directions, parking notes and public transport options are in our tickets and directions guide.

WOW Expert Tip: Go hungry. The food stalls lean into Emirati and regional flavours, and grabbing a bite between halls is half the fun. Bring cash as well as card, as a few smaller vendors prefer it.

Practical tips for your visit

• Give yourself at least three hours. Serious enthusiasts spend a full day
• Dress modestly and comfortably. It is a family and heritage event
• Late August and early September are hot outside, so plan around the air-conditioned halls
• Photography is welcome in most areas, but ask before photographing people or private birds
• Fridays and weekends are busiest. Weekday mornings are calmest

New to the show? Our list of things to know before your first ADIHEX will save you time and a few rookie mistakes.

Frequently asked questions

Planning the rest of your week? See everything happening across the capital in our regularly updated What’s On in Abu Dhabi guide, and if you love the outdoors, browse the best outdoor things to do in Abu Dhabi.