ADACH welcomes applications for heritage competitions to be held at hunting show

ADACH welcomes applications for heritage competitions to be held at hunting show

Jul 26, 2010 - 04:06 -

WAM Abu Dhabi, 26th July 2010 (WAM): The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) announced today that it has begun receiving applications for contests and competitions to be held at the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition- Abu Dhabi 2010 (ADIHEX). The exhibition, which takes place from September 22-25, is being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's representative in Al Gharbia (the Western Region) of Abu Dhabi, and President of the Emirati Falconers Club (EFC), with support from ADACH.

Competitions at the eighth edition of ADIHEX 2010 include a traditional coffee brewing competition, Nabaty poetry competition, which describes loss of birds and description of hunting known locally as "miqnas", a contest for best painting and photograph in hunting, equestrian and heritage as well as a Saluki beauty contest.

"The specialized contests within the exhibition creates an ideal setting for interaction among people interested in hunting, equestrian and heritage, in addition to providing the opportunity to witness tremendous heritage and authenticity of our Arab nobility," said Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Director of ADIHEX 2010 and Director of Communication Department at ADACH.

Al Qubasi noted that previous editions of competitions held at the exhibition witnessed strong participation from both nationals and visitors from the GCC, as well as internationally. "We are committed to the inclusion of competitions as it adds to the vitality of the exhibition, and is consistent with the vision of the event which is preservation of cultural heritage and promotion of sustainable hunting." Arab coffee brewing competition: The Arab coffee brewing competition represents the art of preparing Arabic coffee. Deeply engrained in the inherent heritage of the Arab world, coffee brewing and its related traditions are a mark of hospitality and generosity. Besides, coffee is also linked to late night Bedouin gatherings, which seek to revitalize oral and poetic heritage of the region.

Nabaty poetry: The best Nabaty poetry competition within the category of bird description, loss and the description of "miqnas" has been a popular and integral part of previous editions of ADIHEX. Nabaty poetry, which is closely associated with the cultural history of the UAE and the rest of the Gulf, witnesses wide participation from local and Gulf poets every year.

The organizers will appoint a jury committee comprising of leading lights in Nabaty and other traditional forms of poetry, to adjudicate winners in this competition. The jury committee will conduct a thorough analysis of the poetry being presented by participants. The aesthetic structure of the poem in terms of language, rhyming and philosophical influences as well as expressions about "miqnas," the relationship between the hunter and his falcon, and the grief of losing one's birds will be taken into consideration.

The best art painting competition: The best art painting competition of the ADIHEX 2010 represents an overview on the fine arts, addressing a heritage theme through a variety of techniques and methods including photographs and impressionist portraits. Arab life in the desert has always been an attraction to artists whether they were international, Middle-Eastern or Arabs. This competition pays a tribute to traditional fine arts, reflecting and documenting the lives of Bedouins in the past centuries.

Saluki beauty championship: The Arabian Saluki center that was established in the year 2001, with the support of the Emirati Falconers' Club, will organize a saluki beauty championship, giving Arabian saluki owners the opportunity to showcase their precious hounds - both smooth and feathered, on an international show level.

The contest will be judged by a specialized committee that includes jury members of local and international Saluki competitions. The adjudication will be based on basic standards of the breed, such as the head, the overall structure, cover skin, movements and general impression. The winners of the Arabian saluki beauty championship will receive valuable prizes, including cash rewards.

All Saluki owners based in the United Arab Emirates and other GCC countries are requested to register their Arabian Saluki with the Arabian Saluki Centre prior to the exhibition. Arabian Salukis that are not registered by the Arabian Saluki Center will not be allowed to enter the competition.

WAM/TF