Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the representative of the ruler in the Al Dhafra region and the President of the UAE Falconers Club, along with His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the representative of the ruler in the Al Ain region, the UAE Falconers Club and the Arab Saluki Centre in Abu Dhabi have officially launched the inaugural “Arab Saluki Championship” for the 2026-2027 sports season. The championship will take place across the Al Dhafra and Al Ain regions.
Competition Schedule and Format
The championship is set to commence on 7 November 2026 in Al Ain, followed by events in Al Dhafra on 14 November. It will feature multiple rounds, including qualifying heats and semi-finals, across various racing categories: speed races of 1,000 metres, intermediate races of 1,500 metres, and endurance races of 2,000 metres, for both male and female Salukis.
This prestigious event incorporates a professional point and ranking system, culminating in the final rounds scheduled for 27 February, 6 March, and 20 March 2027. The UAE Falconers Club has announced the provision of valuable prizes for winners, along with seasonal titles to honour their achievements.
Preserving Heritage Through Competition
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed on the platform “X”: “From a rich Emirati heritage, the Arab Saluki Championship springs forth to commence a new chapter in a sport that has accompanied the people of the UAE through generations. We aspire for this authentic legacy to remain present and rejuvenated, establishing a comprehensive system that preserves its significance, supports its development and sustainability, and transmits its values and traditions to future generations.”
Similarly, His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan remarked in another tweet: “Living heritage is not only preserved through conservation but also through development and sustainability. The Arab Saluki Championship in the Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions exemplifies this vision by establishing a comprehensive professional system that supports breeders and enthusiasts while safeguarding purebred lineages and elevating a sport intrinsically linked to the history and values of the UAE.”
Commitment to the Future of Saluki Racing
Majid Ali Al Mansouri, the Secretary-General of the UAE Falconers Club, affirmed that the launch of this championship marks a significant milestone in advancing this traditional sport. He emphasized the club’s commitment to transitioning the sport into an integrated and sustainable athletic framework.