Saluki Beauty Contest showcases Arabian heritage at ADIHEX

The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest drew visitors at this year’s Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2025, casting a well-deserved spotlight on one of the world’s oldest and most revered dog breeds.

The competition featured male and female Saluki categories, with the most beautiful saluki from across the UAE participating.

Under the esteemed patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, ADIHEX 2025 is organised by ADNEC Group and the Emirates Falconers’ Club launching new sectors dedicated to the Arabian Saluki and popular returning competitions such as the Saluki Beauty Contest.

The Saluki Beauty Contest, organised annually by the Arabian Saluki Centre at ADIHEX, is a highlight of the exhibition, celebrating the grace, speed, and intelligence of the Saluki, a breed that has been a loyal companion to the Bedouin people for over 5,000 years.

This year, 64 Salukis from top breeders and dedicated owners took part, competing across categories such as Arish males, Arish females, Hoss males, and Hoss females.

The judging panel selected the best four dogs to advance to the final round. The contest aims to showcase the Saluki’s unique qualities and reinforce its deep-rooted connection to the cultural and historical identity of the United Arab Emirates.

Unlike typical dog competitions, the contest judges evaluated the male and female Salukis using a rigorous set of criteria, including physical attributes, behaviour, overall appearance, structure, hunting skills, behaviour traits and health.

The judging process took into account the dog’s gait, head, eyes, mouth, ears, coat, colour, and overall presentation.

Three expert judges ensured a thorough and fair assessment, providing recognition for the Saluki’s exceptional qualities.

The event offered visitors a unique opportunity to witness traditional Middle Eastern hunting practices and the art of Saluki breeding.

Owners shared valuable insights about their dogs, describing their dedication to caring for their Salukis and highlighting what makes the breed such a precious part of their heritage.

As a centrepiece of ADIHEX 2025, the Saluki Beauty Contest nurtured appreciation for cultural traditions and celebrated the Saluki’s enduring role in the region’s hunting and racing legacy.

The contest honoured the breed’s agility, loyalty, and significance, reaffirming its place at the heart of the UAE’s history.

The 22nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will continue until Sept.7, featuring a wide range of cultural performances and interactive activities for visitors of all ages.

Separately, the Falcon Auction of ADIHEX 2025 saw total sales of Dhs1.668 million for 41 falcons in six auctions.

ADNEC Group, in partnership with the Emirates Falconers’ Club, continues to enhance the falcon auction experience in its twenty-second edition of the ADIHEX, building on last year’s remarkable success which established the auction as one of the region’s leading heritage events.

This year’s expanded programme includes six live auctions, in addition to a secure online auction platform during ADIHEX. These auctions will present and showcase only a select group of elite falcons, renowned for their beauty and racing prowess from some of the world’s leading falcon farms.

Elite, rare and specially bred falcons from 46 leading local and international falcon farms will be present at the auction, positioning the ADIHEX falcon auctions as one of the regions most prestigious events of the year.

This year’s edition marks a significant expansion of the ADIHEX falcon auctions, with over 1,000 falcons being assessed and only the top-tier making into these prestigious ADIHEX auctions. The auctions attract top local and international bidders, making them among the most prominent and renowned heritage events.

Each falcon will be presented with comprehensive details to ensure the highest levels of transparency.