Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today visited the 23rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), which is being held at ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. Running until 6 September under the theme ‘A Legacy of Pride,’ the exhibition has attracted broad participation from leading companies, institutions, and brands from across the UAE and around the world.His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by His Excellency Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADNEC Group, and senior officials as he toured several national and international pavilions participating in the exhibition. His Highness reviewed the latest specialised products and technologies developed for the hunting, equestrian, and falconry sectors, as well as initiatives and projects aimed at promoting innovation, sustainability, and cultural heritage.During the tour, His Highness was apprised by representatives of participating pavilions, companies, and institutions about various innovations and advanced products showcased at the exhibition that contribute to enhancing the appeal of hunting and equestrian while renewing their cultural and historical significance.His Highness Sheikh Mohammed commended the sustained growth of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition year after year. Picture credit: WAMHis Highness Sheikh Mohammed commended the sustained growth of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition year after year, as well as the prestigious international standing it has established as a global platform bringing together experts, specialists, enthusiasts, decision makers, and leading brands from around the world.His Highness highlighted the exhibition’s role in showcasing authentic Emirati heritage and reinforcing its appeal for younger generations, strengthening the UAE’s presence on the calendar of dedicated global events for falconry, equestrian, and heritage preservation, as well as supporting industries and economic activities associated with these sectors.The 23rd edition of ADIHEX is the largest yet in the event’s history in terms of the overall exhibition area and number of participants. It marks the first time that the event has fully occupied all available halls at ADNEC Centre, with the event running for a full ten days. This reflects the exhibition’s rapid growth and the increasing interest it has been generating among exhibitors and visitors from within the UAE and around the world.The exhibition is being organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club, with the participation of leading specialised companies, institutions, and brands across 15 sectors covering hunting, equestrian, falconry, heritage preservation, desert adventures, and outdoor activities.ADIHEX 2026 is attracting significant public interest, with visitors and enthusiasts exploring the latest products, technologies, and innovative solutions while exploring diverse aspects of authentic Emirati heritage through cultural and heritage programmes, immersive experiences, and interactive activities that combine education and entertainment.The exhibition also highlights the close relationship between heritage and sustainability by showcasing traditional environmental practices that reflect Emirati society’s awareness of the value of natural resources and the importance of preserving them, alongside the use of modern technologies and solutions to boost resource efficiency.ADIHEX 2026 opened on 28 August and runs until 6 September at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

Dubai: The UAE has strengthened its position among the world’s most competitive and prosperous economies, according to the Legatum Prosperity Index 2026, which highlighted the country’s strong performance across a range of economic and development indicators.The results reflect the success of government policies aimed at building a more diversified and resilient economy, enhancing the business and investment environment, and improving quality of life.The index highlighted the continued strength of the UAE’s development model, which is based on economic openness, infrastructure development, investment in human capital and improvements in essential services. These factors support the country’s efforts to enhance competitiveness and consolidate its position among the world’s most prosperous economies.According to the report, the UAE’s prosperity is underpinned by strong performances in economic development, economic freedom, health and education, reflecting its ability to combine economic growth with quality of life while providing a supportive environment for business and investment.Economic freedomThe UAE ranked ninth globally in economic freedom, placing it among the world’s top 10 economies in this category.The country scored 77.33 points and ranked first in the Arab world, ahead of Oman and Qatar.The ranking reflects the strength of the UAE’s economic and legislative environment, its attractiveness to investment, ease of doing business, and the broad scope of private sector activity.The report also highlighted the country’s openness to trade and investment, the development of its regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure that supports the movement of capital, goods and services.The UAE’s leading position in the Arab world is particularly significant as regional economies compete to attract foreign investment, talent and global companies, with regulatory flexibility and ease of doing business becoming increasingly important factors.Living standardsThe UAE ranked 11th globally for living standards, reflecting its ability to translate economic performance into high levels of quality of life, services and infrastructure.The ranking indicates that the UAE’s appeal extends beyond economic growth and investment opportunities to the quality of life offered to residents, investors, entrepreneurs and businesses.DevelopmentThe UAE ranked 13th globally in development, an indicator that measures a country’s ability to provide the economic, social and service foundations needed to support long-term prosperity.The result reflects progress in building a diversified economy, developing essential services, investing in value-added sectors and continuing to improve education, healthcare and infrastructure.The report indicated that the UAE’s development model increasingly focuses on the quality and sustainability of growth, as well as enhancing productivity and competitiveness.Education gainsIn education, the UAE ranked 14th globally and recorded one of the most notable improvements over the past decade.The report showed that the country advanced 41 places between 2015 and 2025 in the education pillar, reflecting investments and policies aimed at developing human capital and improving the quality of education.The report noted that investment in education remains a key factor in boosting productivity and supporting the transition towards knowledge-based, technology-driven and innovation-led sectors.Progress in healthThe UAE climbed eight places to rank 21st globally in health, making it one of the countries that recorded significant improvement in this category.The health pillar measures outcomes including life expectancy and child mortality.According to the report, the UAE’s progress reflects continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and medical services, contributing to improved quality of life and supporting the country’s attractiveness to talent, investment and business.Integrated competitiveness modelThe Legatum Prosperity Index 2026 indicates that the UAE’s success is based on an integrated model that combines economic freedom, development, education, health and living standards.The index covers 161 countries and is based on more than 615,000 data points and 130 indicators across three main areas: development, freedom and society.The results underline the UAE’s continued progress in building a competitive and sustainable economy while enhancing prosperity and quality of life.