The International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) and Ekthar Wildlife Development have finalized more than 11 strategic agreements during the 23rd Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2026. Held at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the event served as the venue for establishing these cooperative frameworks. The signings involve academic groups, government bodies, conservation organizations, and research institutions in an effort to advance the Sheikh Zayed Houbara Conservation Programme.
Under this conservation programme, IFHC oversees strategic direction, international advocacy, and community education, while Ekthar supplies operational, technical, and scientific support. The agreements signed include direct pacts between IFHC and Ekthar, alongside its operating entity Reneco, to manage advisory services, execute ecological research, and implement the Houbara Breeders Support Initiative.
To foster local heritage and research, IFHC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Emirates Falconers’ Club. The two entities will cooperate on scientific data collection, falconer training, and efforts to counter illegal bird trafficking. Additionally, IFHC signed an MoU with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, represented by the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, focusing on cultural heritage and environmental education. An MoU was also established with the Emirates Drug Establishment to coordinate regulatory practices regarding veterinary medical products for wild-bird conservation.
Technology and academic partnerships formed a significant part of the announcements. Ekthar entered a five-year MoU with Hikvision DMCC Abu Dhabi to explore the use of artificial intelligence, smart thermal sensors, and machine-learning models for non-intrusive wildlife tracking. To expand scientific research, Ekthar partnered with the University of Sharjah under an MoU that covers joint research projects, academic exchanges, and shared use of research facilities. Furthermore, the Abu Dhabi Nature Academy signed an MoU with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) to focus on science-led conservation.
On the public-private front, IFHC established a partnership with Hubara Design, launching a limited-edition retail collection at ADIHEX. A portion of the sales proceeds from this "Made in UAE" collection will directly support IFHC’s environmental conservation initiatives.
