Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) is bringing back the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, a significant event that highlights the importance of purebred hunting dogs and connects the younger generation with their rich cultural heritage.
Scheduled from August 31 to September 8, 2024, at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, this event is held 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 2024 will blend deep-rooted Emirati cultural traditions with modern technology across 11 diverse sectors.
A key feature of this year’s exhibition is the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest. The Arabian Saluki, one of the oldest and most revered dog breeds, symbolizes the rich desert hunting traditions of the Middle East. Known for its grace, speed, and intelligence, the Saluki has been a loyal companion to the Bedouin people for over 5,000 years, serving as both a hunter and a guardian.
Established in 2001, the Arabian Saluki Centre in Abu Dhabi, alongside the Emirates Falconers’ Club, was the first facility of its kind in the Arabian Gulf and Middle East. It aims to revive the tradition of desert hunting using Saluki dogs, an integral part of desert heritage.
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is not just about looks; it evaluates the dog’s personality, skills, reflexes, and sensory responses. Judging criteria include gait, head, eyes, mouth, ears, coat, color, and overall impression. The competition, held during ADIHEX 2024, features 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.
Beyond the Saluki contest, ADIHEX 2024, the largest edition to date, will showcase thousands of brands across 11 sectors. The exhibition offers a platform for new business opportunities and celebrates an adventurous outdoor lifestyle, featuring falconry, hunting, equestrian sports, veterinary products, fishing, environmental preservation, cultural heritage, arts and crafts, and the latest in technology.
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