Salukis or greyhounds can run up to 65 kilometres per hour. The Salukis were always part of the UAE's past environment as well as training them for hunting. The greyhounds start running in a race towards the prey and are led to the finish line.
What is Saluki racing?
Saluki racing is one of the most popular heritage sports in UAE. A large number of participants took part in the qualifying races as the Bedouin hunting dogs put on a show of speed and stamina.
What are Salukis known for?
Having tremendous speed, the Saluki was used by the Arabs principally to track and bring down gazelle, the fastest of the antelopes. Salukis were widespread and appeared in Egypt, where they were held in such great esteem that their bodies were often mummified like the bodies of the pharaohs themselves.
Is there greyhound racing in Dubai?
Greyhound racing in the United Arab Emirates takes place on the outskirts of Dubai. Races are held on a straight sand track with a distance of 1200m. Saluki races are also conducted, but the two breeds race in separate events. In some cases, races are also broken down by the dogs' gender.
What is a desert dog in the UAE?
Fast and clever, the distinctive Saluki dog breed has been a hunting and guard dog for the desert people of the Arabian Peninsula for 5,000 years. Indigenous to the region, this dog's speed, intelligence and loyalty make it a breed much beloved by the UAE people.
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