The first Japanese pavilion “Miyabi MIYABI” opens at the UAE National Cultural Exposition! ADIHEX 2019 Event Report

2019-09-18

Japan Promotion was the UAE's largest national cultural fair held in Abu Dhabi from 8/27 (Tue) to 31 (Sat)”ADIHEX (Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition)” established the first Japanese pavilion “Miyabi MIYABI” in history, and introduced the appeal of traditional Japanese culture by diverse artists.

ADIHEX (Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition)
‍■Date: 2019/8/27 (Tue) to 31 (Sat)
■Venue: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, UAE (ADNEC)
‍＞＞Go to the official event website

There were also booths showing the history of the UAE around “Miyabi MIYABI,” and a structure where you can enjoy UAE culture from multiple angles was set up

A camel auction held at a special venue as the highlight of the event

The first “Japan Pavilion” opens as a national event in the UAE

Exquisite products that make use of Japanese traditions are gathered at “Miyabi Miyabi”

ADIHEX, which started as an exhibition of hunting and horseback riding (Equestrian), which is the emblematic culture of the UAE, has now added the important concept of “cultural preservation,” and is introducing and selling luxury goods in a wide range of fields, from art, clothing, decoration, interiors, and other lifestyle culture to sports.
The royal family and the wealthy also attended this traditional national event hosted and operated by the EMIRATES FALCONERS' CLUB, which is under the direct control of the UAE government. We have recently received an invitation from the same organizer, obtained approval for the purpose of the Japanese traditional culture promotion project promoted by Japan Promotion, and the first “Japan Pavilion” in the history of the event has been established.

Each booth is lined with unique Japanese items

There are also many works with a new feel that combines good old traditions with new techniques

There are also people pointing their cameras and smartphones at a number of valuable works that are hard to see in Abu Dhabi

The diverse artists' technical and worldview surprised the visitors

”Miyabi Miyabi” is a showcase brand that provides high-quality traditional cultural experiences that Japan Promotion has developed in various countries, starting with London until now.
From crafts that make use of Japan's world-class traditional techniques to art works such as paintings and objects, and accessories where you can feel the “beauty of Japan,” the diverse range of works exhibited by all 53 artists brought fresh surprise and excitement to those who visited the venue in search of encounters with valuable masterpieces.

Japanese “technology” that won the hearts of Abu Dhabi people

Children are also very interested in the detailed technology unique to Japan

Throughout the 5-day exhibition, “Miyabi Miyabi” introduced art and traditional culture as the first Japanese pavilion in ADIHEX history.
A Lebanese artist and his wife purchased a set of 2 Japanese paintings depicting Akaito Dai Armor and Akaito Tsuyoshi, which are designated as important cultural properties of Japan. They happily said, “I liked it at first sight,” and praised the view of the world wrapped in delicate light like no other.

Fashion items incorporating Japanese tastes are also popular every day, such as stylish bags and coats that have been remade from vintage obi, and earrings with origami motifs. Not only women, but also many men were seen making purchases for the purpose of giving gifts to loved ones. The appearance of wealthy people from the UAE visiting with their families also stood out, and experiential booths such as calligraphy and Japanese paper making workshops were also popular.

Type image caption A couple of Lebanese artists who bought Japanese paintings (2 people on the left). It seems that his wife was particularly fond of the work

There were also many people who were interested in the meaning and wishes contained in each Kyoto fan that made use of traditional techniques

A Japanese paper making workshop that was popular every day regardless of age or gender

Fashion items that make it easy to enjoy the beauty of Japan are also popular

Various shows were held on the stage every day, which entertained the visitors

Also, from a woman living in Dubai who saw information on the adiHex exhibition through the artist's Instagram.”Unfortunately I can't go to the venue, but I definitely want to buy the work!There were also calligraphy artists who received enthusiastic direct messages saying,” The work was delivered to the woman's home after the exhibition ended.

Works by popular calligraphy artists with a creative worldview that combines graceful calligraphy with cat pictures are coming to neighboring Dubai

In the UAE market, which continues to expand, there are many opportunities leading to the next

In addition to selling works, there were many exchanges during the exhibition which would lead to future success. Here are some excerpts from the various offers sent to artists exhibiting at “Miyabi MIYABI” every day!

“We received an offer to participate in a competition to create a work that symbolizes the friendship between the royal families of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”

It seems that they are planning to create art to be placed on a bridge connecting the two cities as a gift from Sheikh Mohammed in Dubai to Sheikh Mohammed in Abu Dhabi. I received an offer from the person in charge asking them to participate in a competition to decide who will create that art work. I am very excited to participate in a major national event.

“I received a request to make a custom-made flower vase”

We received requests from people who purchased their works at the venue to make a custom-made glass set incorporating one more point of their own wishes. Other than that, visitors who saw catalog photos of works they couldn't bring to the site said, “I want this work!” “I want to see the real thing!” We have also received many comments such as, and I feel that it is necessary to thoroughly consider specific future activity plans in the UAE.

“A business negotiation with the key man responsible for the Dubai trade world has been realized”

We had a business meeting with the president who runs a trading company in Dubai after the event. We have received an offer to sell products at select shops scheduled to open in Dubai in 2020. It seems that the store will be built in a popular shopping mall in Dubai, and I hope to expand the range of activities further from there.

“The exhibition of the work is likely to be decided at a 5-star hotel representing Abu Dhabi.”

I received an offer to exhibit my work on the stage at the entrance of one of Abu Dhabi's most luxurious hotels. The owner seems to be an unrivaled art lover, and it is said that every month the hotel is filled with a variety of art. I'm really looking forward to being able to show off my work to many people visiting from all over the world every day at the entrance lobby, which is the “face” of that hotel.

Local media are also paying attention to the “Japan Pavilion,” which showed a unique presence

Scenery of coverage by the national program “Abu Dhabi TV”

The organizers and local media also paid a lot of attention to the exhibition at the “Japan Pavilion” for the first time in ADIHEX history and its trends.

On the 28th (Wednesday), the EMIRATES FALCONERS' CLUB Secretary General will host Majed Ali Al Mansouri. His Excellency attended. They stopped by the booths of the artists they were interested in one after another and were seen enjoying the diverse arts and culture of Japan.