ADIHEX celebrates Saluki dogs, Arabs' companion since ancient times

Abu Dhabi, 22 September 2021

ADIHEX is considered the first and most prominent heritage event in the Arab region that celebrated Man's loyal companion for thousands of years through the "Saluki Beauty Contest" which is a unique phenomenon aiming to promote attention to the authentic breeds of hunting dogs, strengthen the relationship of the new generation with the pillars of their ancestors' heritage and traditions, as well as providing the owners of Saluki with the opportunity to showcase the skills and characteristics of their dogs.

ADIHEX, the largest event of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, has organized an annual contest to choose the most beautiful hunting dog, in which participation is  limited to the "Arabian Saluki", one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, which symbolizes the traditions of the desert and wild hunt.

The Higher Organizing Committee of ADIHEX announced the launch of a new version of the "Saluki Beauty Contest" this year, considered to be one of the most famous Saluki and dog events in the region overall. The contest is exclusive for Arabian Saluki, and owners must ensure that the participating dogs are healthy, vaccinated, and microchipped.

The new edition of ADIHEX is organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, from September 27 to October 3, 2021 under the theme "Sustainability and Heritage…A Reborn Aspiration", with the official sponsorship of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the International Fund For Houbara Conservation and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, in addition to the sector sponsor “BYNUNA Military & Hunting Equipment Trading LLC” and the feature sponsors “Smart Design LLC”, “Al Fares International Tents” and “Dhabian Equestrian Club”, as well as “ARB- Emirates” as the branding automotive partner.

The contest is organized by the Arabian Saluki Center in Abu Dhabi, the first of its kind in the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East, which aims to revive the sport of hunting with Saluki dogs and preserve its tradition, their use in falconry and authentic breeds. The center also provides the necessary information about raising, training, and breeding them, as well as  healthcaring, microchipping, birth registration, passports and pedigree issuance , in addition to  travel arrangements in accordance with the adopted laws.

The contest received quite the popularity as it has attracted Saluki lovers and enthusiasts from the UAE, the Arabian Gulf, and tens of thousands of visitors and tourists of all ages, given their strength, intelligence, loyalty and high skills, especially since this contest differs from others in the world - which focus only on appearance - as it highlights the characteristics of the hunting dog, its skills, reflexes and sensory reactions.

The judging criteria include: the breed from which the participating dog comes, the behaviour (e.g. walking and running), the overall appearance (e.g. head, eye, nose, mouth, ear, teeth and jaw), the structure and shape (size, neck, shoulders, chest, back and tail), and the appearance (skin, color, movement, and legs), as well as hunting and chasing skills, overall impression and psychological traits.

The contest includes four categories: Al Hoss (smooth) males, Aryash (feathery) males, Al Hoss (smooth) females and Aryash (feathery) females.

Saluki has been an important part of Arab hunting heritage, for Arabs have known and raised these dogs for more than seven thousand years as they are renowned for their exceptional endurance, intelligence, and loyalty.

There are two main types of Saluki dogs: the long-haired Aryash (Al Hadba) and the short-haired Al Hoss (Al Amlas). The Arabian Saluki native habitats are the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. It has many breeds, the most important of which in the region and at the Arabian Saluki Centre in Abu Dhabi are (the Shadeed, Thiban, Tarrah, and Gannas) from the Al Hoss (smooth) family, and (the Lahaq, Dhabyan, and Khattaf) from the Aryash (feathery) family.

The Arabian Saluki is used along with falcons in falconry and is also used as a guard dog. It has a lifespan of 16 to 18 years, and can run at speeds of up to 75 km per hour. Saluki is loyal in nature, guards his owner and protects his home and only hunts in his company. 

The Saluki has always played an important role in hunting trips due to its ability to find prey that was struck by the falcon, hiding in bushes, tall grass, or other hideouts. Thus, both falcons and Saluki work together to catch the hidden prey.

- For more information:

Ranim Shehade / EFC

00971 – 2 – 6934444 / ext. 370

pr@adihex.com

Mr.Omar Ahmed

00971506146544

Projects Director / Emirates Falconers Club, Abu Dhabi