97 Salukis participate in Qualifying Race of Traditional Arabian Saluki Competition

“The Arabian Saluki competition is considered one of the most popular competitions attended by a large number of spectators as part of the events corresponding to the Camel Beauty Competition."

The qualifying race of the traditional Arabian Saluki 2,500 meters competition, held as part of Al Dhafra Festival 2019, witnessed the qualifying of 15 Salukis for the male round, and 15 Salukis for the female round. The race was set to prepare for the challenge race (final) which will be held on next Friday 20th December on Madinat Zayed Camel race track.  

“97 Salukis participated in the recently launched qualifying race. 6 rounds were organised; 3 rounds for females and 3 rounds for males. The first five competitors in each round managed to qualify.” Hamad Al Ghanim; Director of the traditional Arabian Saluki competition, said.

“The Arabian Saluki competition is considered one of the most popular competitions attended by a large number of spectators as part of the events corresponding to the Camel Beauty Competition. The race prizes soared to a total of AED 320,000 allocated to 5 places for the male round and 5 places for the female round. The prizes were: AED 100,000 for the first place, AED 30,000 for the second place, AED 20,000 for the third place, AED 5,000 for the fourth place and AED 5,000 for the fifth place.” Al Ghanim added.  

Al Ghanim stated that there are a number of requirements for the race including that the race is allocated for purebred Arabian Saluki only, while hybrid shall be excluded. Salukis mustn’t be crop-eared and must be free of disabilities. Those failing to meet these requirements shall be excluded from the competition. The race is allocated for both types of Saluki (Al Hoss and Aryash); males and females. The participating Saluki must be at least one year of age. Participation is open to all, but with a maximum number of 4 Salukis for one participant.

Pregnant or nursing female Salukis are not allowed to participate. A Saluki has to be physically fit, free of diseases and has to have taken all medical vaccinations. Any Saluki proven to have taken steroids shall be banished from the competition based on the results of lab tests. The Saluki and its owner involved in abusing steroids shall be deprived of participation.

A Saluki must have a microchip proving its ownership. A Saluki shall be deprived of participation and its result shall be deleted in case it assaults another Saluki during the race. The results of the winning Saluki shall be calculated from the moment is sets off on the race from the starting line and until it hits the finish line. The results of Salukis veering off the race track shall not be considered.