Abu dhabi: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers' Club, and H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, the Emirates Falconers' Club and the Arabian Saluki Centre in Abu Dhabi have announced the launch of the Arabian Saluki Championship for the 2026-2027 sporting season.
According to Emirates News Agency, the championship's rounds will be held in Al Dhafra and Al Ain, reflecting the UAE's commitment to reviving heritage sports and promoting Arabian Saluki Racing. This initiative aligns with the club's vision to protect intangible cultural heritage and preserve hunting with the Arabian Saluki, while also aiming to pass on its values to younger generations. The championship seeks to develop the sport by establishing a professional competition system and enhancing training and performance standards.
The inaugural edition will begin on 7th November 2026 in Al Ain, followed by a round in Al Dhafra on 14th November. It will feature several rounds, including qualifying and semi-final races for speed categories over 1,000 metres, middle-distance races over 1,500 metres, and Endurance Races over 2,000 metres, for both male and female categories. The championship adopts a points and ranking system to identify top-performing Salukis and breeders, concluding with final rounds on 27 February, 6 and 20 March 2027.
The Emirates Falconers' Club has allocated prizes for the winners to encourage competition and promote this heritage sport. Seasonal titles will be awarded, including sprint champion, distance champion, endurance champion, Arabian Saluki champion, and best breeder. A comprehensive programme of activities will accompany the championship, including the Arabian Saluki beauty contest (Al Mazayen) and a simulated hunting competition.
These activities are part of major cultural events in the UAE, such as the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, Al Dhafra Festival, Al Ain Heritage Festival, and the Sheikh Zayed Festival. They aim to showcase the beauty of the Arabian Saluki breed and its hunting abilities.
Majed Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Falconers' Club, stated that the launch of the Arabian Saluki Championship represents a significant step in developing this heritage sport. He expressed gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support and praised the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The championship establishes a national system for Arabian Saluki racing, involving registration, classification, racing, and beauty contests. It aims to preserve purebred bloodlines, support breeders, attract enthusiasts, and strengthen the UAE's position as a hub for Arabian Saluki sport. Several entities, including the Hamdan bin Mohammed Heritage Centre and Camel Race Association, are collaborating with the Emirates Falconers' Club as partners and sponsors.
The championship is expected to increase breeder participation, improve breed quality, introduce a classification system, develop training pathways, and stimulate the economy associated with breeding and heritage tourism. It will also focus on building a scientific database for the Arabian Saluki, supporting research, and establishing a sustainable future for the sport.