Abu dhabi: The International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC) and Ekthar Wildlife Development have signed more than 11 strategic agreements during the 23rd Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX).
According to Emirates News Agency, the portfolio includes agreements between IFHC and Reneco, an operating entity of Ekthar, as well as agreements with national and international partners. These agreements aim to strengthen the framework of cooperation supporting the Sheikh Zayed Houbara Conservation Programme. The partnerships encompass government entities, academic institutions, conservation organisations, and other strategic partners, focusing on species conservation, biodiversity, scientific research, knowledge exchange, and cultural heritage.
The collaboration between IFHC and Ekthar within the Sheikh Zayed Houbara Conservation Programme highlights their complementary roles. IFHC is focused on strategic conservation priorities, advocacy, education, and engagement, while Ekthar provides the scientific, technical, and operational capabilities needed for execution. Mohamed Almotawa AlDhaheri, Acting Director-General of IFHC, emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation across borders for the long-term success of conservation efforts.
IFHC also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Emirates Falconers' Club to advance houbara conservation while supporting falconry heritage in the UAE. This partnership will focus on research, capacity-building, and awareness programmes, as well as efforts to combat illegal hunting.
Moreover, Abu Dhabi Nature Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi to enhance cooperation in science-led conservation priorities. Ekthar signed a five-year agreement with Hikvision DMCC Abu Dhabi to explore advanced digital technologies for wildlife monitoring and habitat protection.
Tate Wu, President of Hikvision UAE BU, expressed pride in contributing to the UAE's environmental protection efforts through the partnership with Ekthar. This collaboration aims to leverage AI-enabled technologies for non-intrusive wildlife tracking and habitat protection.
Ekthar's agreement with the University of Sharjah will advance wildlife conservation through research and innovation, including joint research activities, faculty exchanges, and curriculum development. Dr. Noura Nasir Alkarbi from the University of Sharjah highlighted the significance of this partnership in supporting environmental protection efforts.
Additional agreements signed by IFHC include a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, focusing on cooperation in natural and cultural heritage. IFHC also collaborated with Hubara Design for a retail activation at ADIHEX 2026, featuring a limited-edition conservation collection.
The agreements with Reneco and Ekthar further solidify cooperation in houbara research, management services, and the Houbara Breeders Support Initiative. IFHC also partnered with the Emirates Drug Establishment to strengthen cooperation in medical and veterinary products for wild-bird conservation.
These strategic partnerships highlight a broader portfolio of initiatives covering conservation breeding, ecological research, biodiversity protection, education, and cultural heritage, contributing to the overall goals of the Sheikh Zayed Houbara Conservation Programme.