SHARJAH/WAM
The third edition of the “Al Asayl Exhibition 2024” is seeing a significant turnout of visitors and traditional sports enthusiasts who flock to Expo Al Dhaid from across the UAE to enjoy a packed program of specialized hunting and equestrian displays, alongside a range of heritage activities and events.
Organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the exhibition concluded on Sunday.
A significant feature is the public falcon auction which made its debut at the exhibition. The event saw wide participation from falconers and breeders of falcons, who showcased a diverse range of the rarest and most exquisitely trained falcons, such as Shaheen, Gyr Shaheen, Gyr Peregrine, and pure Gyr falcons, among many other species.
Another highlight of this year’s edition is the camel racing, a highly popular traditional Arab sport in the UAE, which stood out for its spirited and energetic atmosphere, fueled by intense competition among participants.
Sultan Mohammed Shattaf Al Amrani, Commercial Director of Expo Centre Sharjah, noted that the third edition of the “Al Asayl Exhibition” not only attracted over 250 companies and brands specializing in the fields of equestrian and falconry equipment and supplies, but also marked a significant leap in the number of heritage activities and events related to the world of hunting, equestrian sports and falconry.
He added that such activities saw a strong turnout of visitors, captivating both amateurs and enthusiasts of hunting and equestrian sports over the four-day exhibition.
He affirmed that Expo Centre Sharjah aimed to celebrate the UAE’s rich cultural heritage and embrace innovation by hosting the exhibition. Additionally, it sought to reinforce Sharjah’s position as a hub for hunting and equestrian sports and an epicentre for fostering new business partnerships and supporting horse, camel, and falcon owners, along with companies operating in this field.
For his part, Salem Al Tunaiji, the General Coordinator of the Al Asayl Exhibition’s Falcon Auction, asserted that the auction featured rare falcon species, showcased for the first time at the exhibition. These falcons presented by falcon owners and specialized farms, garnered significant attention from visitors.
He added that the auction also offered valuable insights into the techniques and principles of falconry, while featuring a variety of falcon care products and essential falconry tools and supplies.