Saudi nature reserve to feature at ADIHEX 2023 in Abu Dhabi - Middle East News 247
January 12, 2025
Sustainability Events GCC Lifestyle Saudi Arabia

Saudi nature reserve to feature at ADIHEX 2023 in Abu Dhabi

The reserve is home to 60+ native animals and 120+ plant species

Saudi Arabia’s Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority (ITBA) will participate as a regional exhibitor at the 20th Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), in the UAE capital from September 2-8, 2023.

The popular annual event is the largest B2B and B2C exhibition for hunting, equestrian and heritage preservation in the Middle East and Africa region.

The ITBA will introduce and promote the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve to visitors at the week-long ADIHEX.

Promotional role

Through its participation as an exhibitor at ADIHEX 2023, the ITBA aims to present its role in supporting the environmental, cultural, and heritage values and promoting sustainable hunting and traditional Saudi sports in the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve.

Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. Image: ITBA
Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. Image: ITBA

Located in northeastern Saudi Arabia and established in 2018, the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is home to more than 60 native Arabian desert mammalian, reptilian, and amphibious species and over 120 species of indigenous plants.

The ITBA is tasked by royal decree with ensuring the Reserve’s protection and conservation of the native flora and fauna for biodiversity’s sake.

The Reserve offers sustainably managed recreational activities. Image: ITBA
The reserve offers sustainably managed recreational activities. Image: ITBA

The ITBA also develops and maintains visitor facilities in the Reserve’s precincts to ensure the site is a world-class ecotourism destination that benefits the local community while showcasing rich local heritage and exceptional native Arabian desert ecosystems.

‘Sustainable hunting reserve’

Mohammad Al-Shaalan, CEO of Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority, said: “Our participation in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is an opportunity to showcase the first sustainable hunting reserve in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

reserve Mohammad Al-Shaalan, CEO of ITBA. Image: ITBA
Mohammad Al-Shaalan, CEO of ITBA. Image: ITBA

“Sustainable hunting allows hunting in limited numbers and minimises illegal hunting through providing sustainable alternatives, reducing the impact on wildlife in nature, and reviving traditional hunting heritage through traditional methods, all under regulations and organised standards,” said Al-Shaalan.

Saudi architectural and cultural heritage is on display in the Reserve. Image: ITBA
Saudi architectural and cultural heritage in the reserve. Image: ITBA

The ITBA pavilion at ADIHEX will display the recreation of the revered Al-Ashar Pond, a prominent historical heritage landmark in the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, as it once provided potable water to Muslim pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia to perform Islamic religious rites.

The pavilion will also feature traditional Saudi beekeeping techniques, various types of natural honey, and a live Saudi folk music band and cultural performers.

A natural waterbody in the pristine Reserve for native creatures. Image: ITBA
A natural waterbody in the pristine reserve for native creatures. Image: ITBA

The pavilion will also feature traditional Saudi beekeeping techniques, various types of natural honey, and a live Saudi folk music band and cultural performers.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Falconers’ Club, ADIHEX 2023 is being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre with the theme: Sustainability and Heritage: A Reborn Aspiration.

ADIHEX 2023 visitor tickets:

  • 1-day (Online & onsite): AED25
  • 3-day (Online & onsite): AED50
  • 7-day (Online & onsite): AED75
  • Children under 12: Free entry

For more information: https://adihex.com/

Last Updated on 10 months by Arnold Pinto

Arnold Pinto

Arnold Pinto

Arnold Pinto is an award-winning journalist with wide-ranging Middle East and Asia experience in the tech, aerospace, defence, luxury watchmaking, business, automotive, and fashion verticals. He is passionate about conserving endangered native wildlife globally. Arnold enjoys 4x4 off-roading, camping and exploring global destinations off the beaten track. Write to: arnold@menews247.com
Follow Me:

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *