A luxurious rifle collection worth up to Dh4 million was showcased at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), honoring the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, his father, and their esteemed Rabdan horse.
The “Trinity” collection features three German-made Mauser 98 rifles, crafted from premium walnut wood and adorned with 24-karat gold. Each rifle is intricately engraved with portraits of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Zayed the First, and their cherished horse Rabdan, celebrated in Emirati history for its strength and elegance.
Rakna, the Emirati arms company behind this project, selected ADIHEX as the ideal venue for the unveiling. “These rifles seamlessly blend heritage, artistry, and modern craftsmanship — key values of the exhibition and Emirati culture,” stated Abdulrahman Al Harthi, Sales Manager at Rakna.
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Each rifle contains 12 grams of pure 24-karat gold, with “Abu Dhabi” engraved on the gold-plated grip, honoring the capital’s role as a hub of tradition and leadership.
Engraved with portraits of Sheikh Zayed the First, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, and their legendary horse Rabdan.
The stocks are crafted from luxurious walnut, with barrels undergoing advanced plasma treatment, providing a deep blue finish in classic .308 caliber.
“The platform is the legendary Mauser 98, renowned for reliability and prestige,” explained Al Harthi. “While these are functional rifles, their design elevates them to true collector’s pieces.”
The “Trinity” set of three Mauser 98 rifles.
The narrative across the three rifles mirrors the intertwined legacy of leadership and horsemanship in Abu Dhabi. The first depicts Sheikh Zayed the First (Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan), known for his passion for Arabian horses and his stallion Rabdan. The second features Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, the UAE’s Founding Father, riding a descendant of Rabdan. The third celebrates Rabdan, a symbol of pride, strength, and authenticity.
Levke Johannsen, daughter of the owner of German gunsmiths Reimer Johannsen, who were commissioned to manufacture the rifles, described the production as a collaborative endeavor.
“The concept originated from Rakna, and we crafted the rifles in-house in Germany,” she said. “The bluing was completed by a German specialist, the gold work by the same craftsman, and the engraving in the Czech Republic.”
Displayed in a black velvet-lined case with gold clasps, the three rifles shone under the exhibition lights. Each rifle boasts distinctive details, from polished walnut stocks to gold-plated trigger guards, attracting curious visitors who paused to admire while signs reminded them not to touch.
The set, priced between Dh3 million and Dh4 million, is sold only as a trio and is expected to capture the interest of UAE royalty.
