Once listed as a ‘vulnerable’ species, the houbara bustard is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in the UAE, thanks to extensive conservation efforts over the years. Comparable in size to a chicken, this brown bird, adorned with lightly spotted feathers and striking yellow and black eyes, thrives in arid areas like the UAE’s expansive deserts.
At the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), visitors gathered around a small enclosure housing numerous of these elegant birds, deeply rooted in the region’s heritage and culture. The spectacle not only captivated onlookers due to its rarity but also symbolized nearly fifty years of the UAE’s groundbreaking initiatives to preserve the species.
This year’s ADIHEX, held from September 1 to 7 at ADNEC, highlights conservation efforts spearheaded by the International Fund for Houbara Conservation.
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The Houbara bird, a migratory species native to North Africa and predominantly found in Morocco and Algeria, has faced significant threats in recent years. It has been classified as ‘vulnerable’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species since 2014, offering essential data on biological species.
Regaining Stability
“We began with a small number, and today, we proudly have over 100,000 houbara birds annually through our various centers in the UAE and abroad,” Hama Al Ameri, Education Specialist, told Khaleej Times. She noted that due to conservation initiatives, the houbara population is stabilizing again, with successful repopulation in controlled environments.
“We have increased the number of houbara in climate-controlled facilities and reproduced them through artificial insemination,” Al Ameri explained.
Expanding Horizons at ADIHEX
In addition to the houbara showcase, ADIHEX is broadening its horizon this year. Abu Dhabi will feature camels, salukis, knives, and a traditional souk, expanding the exhibition to 15 sectors, four more than last year. Over 1,500 companies and brands from more than 65 countries will participate, along with significant national representation.
The 2025 edition at ADIHEX, hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), invites visitors to explore the UAE’s rich culture and heritage, from falconry and horseback riding to arts and crafts.
Since its inception in 2003, ADIHEX has evolved into one of the world’s largest annual gatherings focused on hunting, equestrian activities, and heritage preservation. This year, the exhibition will also expand to Al Ain in November.
