Celebrating Ancestral Elegance: Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest At ADIHEX 2024

The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) is set to feature the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, a unique event that underscores the importance of purebred hunting dogs. This initiative aims to connect the younger generation with their rich ancestral heritage.

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club (EFC), ADIHEX will take place from 31st August to 8th September, 2024, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The event merges Emirati cultural traditions with modern innovation across 11 sectors.

The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is a highlight of this year's exhibition. The Arabian Saluki, one of the oldest dog breeds, symbolises wild hunting and desert traditions in the Middle East. Known for its grace, speed, and intelligence, this breed has been a loyal companion to Bedouins for over 5,000 years.

The Arabian Saluki Centre was established in Abu Dhabi in 2001 alongside the Emirates Falconers' Club. It was the first facility in the Arabian Gulf region dedicated to reviving desert hunting traditions using Saluki dogs. This centre plays a crucial role in preserving this cherished aspect of desert heritage.

The Saluki's name is believed to originate from either the city of Saluk in Yemen or the Bani Saluk tribe. Renowned for its endurance and elegance, a Saluki can reach speeds up to 75 kilometres per hour and maintain this pace over nearly five kilometres. Its physical traits include a slender body, deep chest, long legs, and two coat types: ‘Al Hoss’ (smooth) and ‘Aryash’ (feathery).

Contest Categories and Judging Criteria

This year’s competition will feature four categories: ‘Smooth (Hoss) Males,’ ‘Feathery (Aryash) Males,’ ‘Smooth (Hoss) Females,’ and ‘Feathery (Aryash) Females.’ Participants must ensure their dogs are healthy, microchipped, and vaccinated as per contest rules.

The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest goes beyond typical beauty pageants by focusing on various aspects such as personality, skills, reflexes, and sensory response. Unlike standard dog competitions, it evaluates breed characteristics like behaviour, overall appearance, structure, hunting skills, and psychological traits. Judging criteria include gait, head shape, eyes, mouth, ears, coat type and colour.

Promoting Traditional Practices

This contest is integral to ADIHEX’s mission to preserve UAE's cultural heritage. It not only showcases the beauty and abilities of the Saluki but also raises awareness about preserving traditional hunting practices where these dogs play a vital role.

Aside from the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, ADIHEX will showcase thousands of brands across 11 sectors. The exhibition offers new business opportunities while captivating audiences with falconry displays, equestrian sports demonstrations, veterinary products exhibitions, fishing activities, marine sports events, environmental preservation initiatives, cultural heritage displays, arts and crafts showcases.

The event celebrates an adventurous outdoor lifestyle through various activities that allow visitors to explore different aspects of Emirati culture combined with modern technology innovations.

The enduring legacy of the Saluki is celebrated through this competition which attracts participants from across regions. It provides a platform for enthusiasts to connect over their shared passion for this ancient breed that has remained virtually unchanged for millennia.

This year's ADIHEX promises to be its largest edition yet with diverse offerings that appeal to all ages while promoting an adventurous outdoor lifestyle intertwined with rich cultural traditions.

With inputs from WAM