Emirates News Agency – ADIHEX celebrates Saluki dogs, companions of the Arabs since ancient times

ABU DHABI, September 22nd, 2021 (WAM) – ADIHEX, which is considered the first and most important cultural heritage event in the Arab world, will hold a “Saluki Beauty Contest” to celebrate the Saluki dogs, people’s loyal companions for thousands of years are.

The competition aims to promote the authentic breed of hunting dogs, to strengthen the relationship of the new generation with the pillars of the heritage and traditions of their ancestors, and to give the owners of the Saluki the opportunity to showcase their dogs’ skills and traits.

ADIHEX organized the annual competition to choose the most beautiful hunting dog. Participation is limited to the “Arabian Saluki”, one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.

The ADIHEX Higher Organizing Committee announced the launch of a new version of the competition this year, which is considered to be one of the most famous events in the region. The competition is exclusive to the Arab Saluki and owners must ensure that the dogs are healthy, vaccinated and microchipped.

The new edition of ADIHEX is sponsored by the 27 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 Center, 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 automotive branding partners.

The competition is organized by the Arabian Saluki Center in Abu Dhabi, the first of its kind in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East, which aims to revive the sport of hunting with Saluki dogs and preserve its tradition, its use in falconry and authentic breeds. The center also provides the necessary information on rearing, training and breeding, health care, microchips, birth registration, issuing passports and pedigrees, and travel preparations in accordance with the laws passed.

The competition has drawn Saluki lovers and enthusiasts from the United Arab Emirates, the Arabian Gulf, and tens of thousands of visitors and tourists of all ages.

The evaluation criteria include the breed from which the participating dog comes, the behavior (e.g. walking and running), the overall appearance (e.g. head, eyes, nose, mouth, ear, teeth and jaw), the structure and shape (size Neck, shoulders, chest, back and tail) and appearance (skin, color, movement and legs) as well as hunting and hunting skills, overall impression and psychological characteristics.

The competition consists of four categories: Al Hoss (smooth) males, Aryash (feathered) males, Al Hoss (smooth) females and Aryash (feathered) females.

There are two main types of Saluki dogs: the long-haired Aryash (Al Hadba) and the short-haired Al Hoss (Al Amlas). The homeland of the Arab Saluki are the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. There are many races, the most important of which are in the region and in the Arabian Saluki Center in Abu Dhabi (Shadeed, Thiban, Tarrah and Gannas) from the Al Hoss family (smooth) and (the Lahaq, Dhabyan and Khattaf) from the Aryash family (Feather).

The Arabian Saluki is used as a guard dog in falconry together with falcons. It has a lifespan of 16 to 18 years and can travel at speeds of up to 75 km / h. Saluki is loyal, guards its owner, protects its home and only hunts in its company.

The Saluki has always played an important role in hunting trips, as it finds prey hit by the falcon, hides in bushes, tall grass or other hiding places. So both Falcons and Saluki work together to catch the hidden prey.