Local, regional and international visitors to this week’s International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and Conference received a traditional Abu Dhabi travellers’ welcome at a dazzling opening ceremony celebrating Emirati culture and heritage.

Over 160 performers, artisans, musicians and dancers representing the assets of Abu Dhabi – Oasis, Desert and Marine – performed a specially created heritage-themed ceremony organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) in the outdoor auditorium at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The opening ceremony – dedicated to the heritage-themed extravaganza – featured the ancient art of falconry, traditional dancing, camel rides, and horse shows. Traditional Ayyala dancers – recently inscribed on Unesco’s list of intangible heritage – also shed more light on traditional performing arts prevalent in the UAE’s cultural heritage.

“By creating an opening ceremony which reflects the deep-rooted culture and traditions of our nation, we have an opportunity to share with thousands of visitors an essence of our homeland,” said Sultan Al Dhaheri, TCA Abu Dhabi’s acting executive director, Tourism.

“Our aim is to surprise visitors with the depth and diversity of experience available in the emirate, and encourage them to explore the destination while there for the exhibition, and inspire them to return afterwards,” he said.

Running till February 26 at ADNEC, the bi-annual IDEX and Conference is an important tri-service defence exhibition and the region’s only international defence exhibition and conference where delegates will have a chance to discover the latest technology across land, sea and air sectors of defence.

Moreover, delegates were able to explore Abu Dhabi’s geographic diversity through recreations of oasis, desert and marine houses, and even take to the water on traditional fishing dhows to experience the ancient heritage of pearling and fishing.

During the five-day event, 1,112 international and regional participating companies from 59 countries are expected to attract 80,000 visitors from 143 countries.

Away from the exhibition, TCA Abu Dhabi is also partnering with IDEX organisers to provide dedicated information desks in all official partner hotels, supplying guests with detailed visitor information, publications, brochures, maps, postcards and give-aways to encourage delegates to see and do more while in the UAE capital. – TradeArabia News Service