Dog dash: World’s fastest canines battle it out at United Arab Emirates desert camel festival

Arabian Saluki dogs race during the Mazayin Dhafra Camel Festival in the desert near the city of Madinat Zayed, 90 miles west of Abu Dhabi.

The festival, which attracts participants from across the Gulf region, includes a camel beauty contest, a display of United Arab Emirates handcrafts and other activities aimed at promoting the country’s folklore.

Sometimes known as Persian greyhounds, Salukis are the fastest dog and have reached 42mph.

They were used for hunting by nomadic tribes and have been known to chase and kill goats, otters and snakes.