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ENTERING its 19th year, the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) is an annual event held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In 2022, The Game Fair is taking its fourth government-backed pavilion to the show, and you could be part of it. The event this year takes place from September 26th to October 2nd at the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre. ADIHEX brings together a global audience of over 115,000 hunters, falconers, trade representatives and dignitaries for the seven-day event. It remains the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, and is a global platform for the brands exhibiting, which include well-known names such as Blaser, Bremont, E.J. Churchill, Tom Hill Guns, Swarovski Optics, Leica, Holland & Holland, Fausti and Hans Wrage & Co. ADIHEX presents a wonderful opportunity to raise your brand profile on a global scale, with both consumers and also the wider trade. Since 2003 ADIHEX has welcomed over half a million visitors, showcasing the vast heritage of Emirati culture, and the show is also concerned to be seen as a leading light in sustainable hunting, preserving the environment and raising awareness in the next generation. Divided into several sections—featuring everything from falconry, arts and crafts, fishing equipment, hunting guns and gear—the exhibition represents a great opportunity for your business to enjoy up to seven days of exploration into the Abu Dhabi international market. Hunting guns were individually the most popular section and reportedly the best seller last year, with exhibitors selling 1,764 weapons and generating Dh34m (approx. £6.85 million) at the show. “More
than 90 per cent of the visitors are interested in sporting weapons,” commented Ahmed Kamel, Operations Manager at MP3 International, a company supplying both military and sporting goods. “We feel a difference.” If there weren’t already plenty of reasons to consider attending, recent changes to UAE gun laws allow those over the age of 21 and in possession of a licence to own up to three firearms for hunting and skeet purposes, and as a result hunting gun sales in the region have already “surged by 60 per cent,” according to Saeed Al Ghfeli, General Manager of Byuna. He predicts this “will make a big difference
In 2021 The Game Fair took British companies across to the exhibition under the umbrella of the Game Fair British Pavilion. It was a huge success. This year it will once again be attending, taking up to fifteen British traders with it and acting as agents in coordinating accommodation, exportation forms, stand location and everything in between.
International connections So if you are a company looking to develop its international presence and connections, ADIHEX is the event for you. “I’ve been coming from day one,” said Mr Kamel. “Every year it gets better, this year
“ADIHEX brings together over
115,000 hunters, falconers, trade representatives and dignitaries ” to the domestic and international market exhibiting at the event”. With such an attractive market to explore, the only drawback for companies will be the cost involved in getting there. Luckily the Government’s Internationalisation Fund means that qualifying companies will be able to apply for up to £9,000 in grants to assist with the cost, something we can help you to claim. “Eighty-five percent [of those who went on previous trips] said exporting led to a level of growth not otherwise possible,” explains Jim James, Senior International Trade Adviser at Department for International Trade (DIT).
will be the best.” ADIHEX presents an unmatched opportunity to develop international B2B connections. In addition to the public-facing opportunities for business, there is a lot of B2B trade done, with over 800 exhibitors from 40 countries. Not only will you have the chance to explore the latest innovations in firearms and hunting gear, and meet the manufacturers, a B2B Matchmaking service will put you together with like-minded businesses, trade buyers and agents to discuss mutual opportunities—and all of this can be scheduled in advance of the event. Conducting business in Abu Dhabi will be a new experience for many, and as with all international
trade, the cultural differences need to be understood. The Emirati’s cultural identity is a rich blend of traditional Arabic, Islamic and contemporary elements which transcends all elements of both their private and professional interactions. When conducting business meetings in Abu Dhabi, there are a few important elements to consider. For example, it’s important to be viewed as honest and discreet, and once a verbal commitment has been clearly made, it’s considered ethically, if not legally, binding. Insights like these will help your business go more smoothly and are part of what you’re getting by joining together with others. There will be a great sharing of experience, as well as guidance from seasoned professionals in conducting trade across any cultural barriers.
An exciting show Rupert Haynes, Gunroom Manger at E.J. Churchill, was pleased with the experience: “The Abu Dhabi show was an exciting show for us, and we approached the event with our usual enthusiasm and professionalism and were rewarded with a range of new clients. The breadth of international clients was very pleasing, and I would expect to achieve sales of upward of six figures as a result of attending the exhibition. Our Bremont watches were well received by the visitors to the show and we had sales as a result. The UAE is a continuously expanding market for our industry, and participation in the British Pavilion is the ideal stepping stone to help you, with support from the Department of International trade, to access this affluent market with ease.” If you are interested in exhibiting with The Game Fair British Pavilion, please contact Lee Hurst at lee.hurst@thegamefair.org GTN
