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Near Abu Dhabi International Airport, behind Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Speedy and savvy, the Saluki 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 fast pace, intelligence and loyalty make it a breed much beloved by the UAE people.
The breed’s name comes either from the city of Saluk in the Hadhramaut region of Yemen, where the dog may have first been domesticated, or from the Bani Saluk tribe in Yemen, which may have been the first tribe to domesticate the breed. Today, Salukis are still known for their incredible speed, acumen and stamina, traits that make them the perfect hunting companions.
The Saluki Centre honours the desert traditions of hunting, training and breeding Salukis, with visitors learning more about not just the unique traits of this dog, but also how to care for it.
The Arabian Saluki, known for over 10,000 years, possesses exceptional endurance, intelligence, and loyalty, making it a trusted companion for hunters across the Arabian Desert. With speeds reaching 65 to 75 km/h, it is used for hunting hares, gazelles, and other game, as well as for guarding and surveillance purposes.
Abu Dhabi places great importance on the conservation of the Arabian Saluki through specialised programmes designed to maintain pure bloodlines, provide top-tier healthcare and training, and implement initiatives for pedigree documentation and birth registration. The Arabian Saluki Centre issues special passports and installs identification microchips to protect these dogs and facilitate their movement in accordance with international regulations.