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Salukis’ day out

ABU DHABI — The saluki beauty competition, the last show at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), began on Friday and will end today.

Hadath stole the show in the first round where eight dogs took part in the male smooth feathered contest. He was selected in the final four, but his grumpy nature stopped him short of winning.

“He is such a friendly dog, but looks sad. You should speak to your saluki more and don’t pat him so often on the head. You’ll then see him become much livelier,” suggested the show presenter to the owner of the dog.

The winner was Azeel, a one and a half year old saluki.

“It’s the first time he is winning the top place,” said Ahmed Salem Al Tunaiji, Azeel’s owner, who had come all the way from Dhaid, Sharjah. “Azeel is a bit too young to go hunting, but every two days I take him to the desert, where he runs,” added Ahmed.

For the first time, the Arabian Saluki Centre (ASC) the organisers of the show, decided to award the oldest dog in each round and the first to wear the crown (or rather a pretty, colourful medal) was Shadith, a six-year-old smooth male saluki.

The smooth male category was followed by that of smooth females, where Wala hoped to win.

“She is two years old and it is the first time that I am bringing her to this beauty show,” said Wala’s owner, Abdulla Qumairi from Al Ain.

“My father has a falcon, but I like saluki. Hunting with falcons is illegal here. I do take Wala to the Swaihan desert, though, for training. Sometimes we buy a ghazal for her to hunt,” added Abdulla. The beauty show will conclude today with the male and female rounds for the feathered salukis. Today is also the last day of ADIHEX 2010. Doors will close at 11 pm. — silvia@khaleejtimes.com