Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, and His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region, the Arabian Saluki Championship 2026–2027 is held across Al Dhafra and Al Ain.
Jointly organized by the Emirates Falconers’ Club and the Arabian Saluki Center, the Championship celebrates one of the world’s oldest hunting dog breeds and its deep-rooted place in Arabian heritage. It brings together Saluki owners, breeders, and enthusiasts to showcase the breed’s exceptional speed, agility, natural hunting instincts, and distinctive characteristics.
The Championship features three competition categories:
- Arabian Saluki Race: Qualifying rounds and finals over distances of 1,000 m, 1,500 m, and 2,000 m, showcasing speed and endurance.
- Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest: A celebration of the breed’s distinctive appearance, characteristics, and authentic qualities.
- Arabian Saluki Hunting Simulation Competition: A moving lure challenge demonstrating the Saluki’s natural hunting instincts, speed, and agility.
The Beauty Contest and Hunting Simulation competitions also feature at major heritage events, including ADIHEX, AAIHEX, Sheikh Zayed Festival, and Al Dhafra Festival, introducing the breed and its traditions to a wider audience.
Through this joint initiative, the Arabian Saluki Center and the Emirates Falconers’ Club promote the preservation of the breed, strengthen engagement with the Saluki community, and encourage younger generations to appreciate traditional hunting heritage. The Championship provides an organized competitive platform that connects these enduring traditions with the continued development of Saluki sport in the UAE.
