Abu Dhabi, 8th Sept 2009 (WAM) -- The Arabian Saluki Center, Abu Dhabi, announced that it will organise the Third Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest to be held during this years International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX Abu Dhabi 2009).
The show will take place from September 30 to October 03 in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest gives Saluki owners an opportunity to showcase their precious hounds both smooth and feathered on an international show level. The contest will be judged by Mrs, Cathy Smith Australian Saluki Club. Salukis will be judged upon the characteristics of the standard of the breed (head, general structure, coat, movement and general impression). But unlike European dog shows, the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest judges not only on the standards of the breed, but more than that values the Salukis predominant purpose (hunting, chasing, guarding) and mental condition (brave, dominant). The winners will be rewarded with valuable prizes. Hamad AlGhanem, Breeder, Registrar General and Director of the Arabian Saluki Center, said: "I am pleased to organise the Forth Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest. After three successful years the show is now established as a regional get-together for Saluki lovers and owners from the UAE and other GCC countries. Until today, a total of 172 Saluki owners have registered their hounds to participate." AlGhanem continued: "The show gives us the opportunity to highlight not only the incredible characteristics of the breed itself, but to further create public awareness in our proud Cultural Heritage, especially for the younger generations. Throughout the times and the changing generations, the traditional values and ethics of Arabian Bedouin are being forgotten and it is our duty to preserve and celebrate them for future generations."The Arabian Saluki Center, established in 2001 by Hamad AlGhanem with the support of the Emirates Falconers Club, commits itself to both the preservation of the pure breed Arabian Saluki and the traditional way of the Arabian Hunting as an essential part of Cultural Heritage. Arabian Salukis are one of the worlds oldest breeds; history shows that they can be traced back almost 13,000 years. Originating from the Arabian Peninsula, these desert hounds, which are known for their exceptional stamina, intelligence and loyalty, were bred to assist man in chasing prey and catching it in the harsh desert climate. Arabian Salukis are highly prized by the Bedouins not only for the hunting purpose, but as a companion and a member of the family. All Saluki owners based in the United Arab Emirates and other GCC countries are requested to register their Arabian Saluki with the Arabian Saluki Centre prior to the exhibition. Arabian Salukis that are not registered by the Arabian Saluki Center will not be allowed to enter the competition. The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest will be supported by main sponsor "Purina Pet Food", a member of NESTLE Group. Further sponsors include Emirates Photographers, the British Veterinary Centre (BVC) and Crystal Gallery.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2009.
