Saluki Hunting Championships to commence on 22 February in Dubai

Arabian greyhounds to compete in traditional ‘live prey’ races

Dubai, 21 February, 2014: The latest in its lineup of traditional sporting events, The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center has announced the kickoff of the hugely popular 7th Saluki Championship 2014 at a designated area in Seih Al Dahal in Dubai.

Salukis are some of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dogs in the world and the Saluki Hunting Championships attract salukis and their owners from across the GCC and even abroad all keen to display their greyhounds’ hunting skills.

The competition will run in two categories – for amateurs and professionals of all nationalities and will be open to the general public on 22 February for the amateurs. The professionals’ category and final championships will be announced at a later date.

The competition will begin at 3.30 pm at the venue in Seih Al Dahal and contestants will have to be present two hours prior along with their competing salukis who will have to chase and capture live prey over 200 meters. The fastest saluki speed recorded last year was 67km/hr.

Ahmed Saif Bel Zafin, head of the organising committee of the Saluki Hunting Championships said: “These Championships have attracted a growing number of participants from both categories.

“480 salukis competed in the Championships last year and we had contestants from as far as Ireland and Australia racing their greyhounds in a highly competitive environment. We expect an even larger number of fine Arabian bred salukis and skilled contestants this year. ”

All contestants will have to ensure that their salukis have undergone the mandatory health and safety check up prior to registration.

Souad Darwish, Director of the Fazza Championships said: “The Saluki Championships traditionally witness strong participation from the GCC.

" We look forward to new contestants with the best Arabian Saluki breeds breaking new records in speed this year.

“We have improved this edition of the Championships from a technical and organisational point of view and we welcome participation from all interested contestants.”

Terms and Conditions of the Championship

• The Saluki Hunting Championships are open to all nationalities
• Participants can enter more than one saluki to compete in the Championships
• Participants can enter their salukis as part of a group
• All qualifying salukis have to undergo a medical test to ensure they have not been administered with performance enhancing drugs prior to the Championship finals
• It is mandatory for all salukis have to have a registration chip and a leash
• For enquiries, interested contestants can call 043737000 or log onto www.hhc.gov.ae