• The Abu Dhabi Pet Festival returned to capital for first time in three years at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
    The Abu Dhabi Pet Festival returned to capital for first time in three years at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Four-legged friends took over the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Khalifa City on Saturday
    Four-legged friends took over the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Khalifa City on Saturday
  • The event featured activities to celebrate all kinds of pets and included a dog agility competition, a pet fashion show and an international cat and dog competition
    The event featured activities to celebrate all kinds of pets and included a dog agility competition, a pet fashion show and an international cat and dog competition
  • The event was not limited to only cats and dogs
    The event was not limited to only cats and dogs
  • There was also a petting farm at the event
    There was also a petting farm at the event
  • Veterinary specialists were also on hand to help educate guests about pet care and the resources available in the UAE
    Veterinary specialists were also on hand to help educate guests about pet care and the resources available in the UAE
  • An attendee at the Abu Dhabi Pet Festival
    An attendee at the Abu Dhabi Pet Festival
  • Animal owners also have the chance to sign up for photo sessions with their furry friends
    Animal owners also have the chance to sign up for photo sessions with their furry friends
  • All pets entering the venue had to be registered in advance and were required to undergo a vet check
    All pets entering the venue had to be registered in advance and were required to undergo a vet check
  • There were all kinds of competitions for pets, with cash prizes up for grabs
    There were all kinds of competitions for pets, with cash prizes up for grabs
  • The festival is returning for the first time in three years, after taking a break owing to the Covid-19 pandemic
    The festival is returning for the first time in three years, after taking a break owing to the Covid-19 pandemic
  • The Abu Dhabi Pet Festival is designed to raise awareness about animal welfare and pet services in the UAE
    The Abu Dhabi Pet Festival is designed to raise awareness about animal welfare and pet services in the UAE
  • Attendees at the Abu Dhabi Pet Festival
    Attendees at the Abu Dhabi Pet Festival
  • The event also featured a demonstration from the police K9 Unit
    The event also featured a demonstration from the police K9 Unit

Abu Dhabi Pet Festival returns to the capital for the first time in three years


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

Four-legged friends took over the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Khalifa City on Saturday, as the Abu Dhabi Pet Festival returned to the capital.

Taking place over the weekend, the event features activities including a dog agility competition, a pet fashion show and an international cat and dog competition, as well as food and drink stalls for owners. There will also be a pet and owner fancy dress competition, a petting farm, as well as a demonstration from the police K9 Unit.

Scroll through the gallery above for more pictures from the Abu Dhabi Pet Festival

The Abu Dhabi Pet Festival is designed to raise awareness about animal welfare and pet services in the UAE, including their health, training, nutrition and fashion. Veterinary specialists will also be on hand to help educate guests about pet care and the resources available in the UAE.

Animal owners have the chance to sign up for photo sessions with their furry friends, and on Sunday, there is a special “Bully Speciality” competition taking place, with a $1,000 prize up for grabs for the best in show bulldog.

All pets entering the venue should be registered in advance and will be required to undergo a vet check. The owners are also required to show vaccination proof via a pet passport or letter from reputed veterinary clinic to be granted entry into the venue. Vaccination should have been carried out within the past two years.

The festival is returning for the first time in three years, after taking a break owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tickets are priced at Dh25, with free entrance for pets and children under 12. More information is available at petfestival.ae

THE SPECS

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Torque: 367Nm

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Results

6.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Dirt) 1,200m; Winner: Major Cinnamon, Fernando Jara, Mujeeb Rahman

7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (D) 1,900m; Winner: Al Mureib, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash

7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Remorse, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

8.15pm: Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Meshakel, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Desert Peace, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,400m; Winner: Sharamm, Ryan Curatlo, Satish Seemar

Five expert hiking tips
    Always check the weather forecast before setting off Make sure you have plenty of water Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon Wear appropriate clothing and footwear Take your litter home with you
MATCH INFO

Barcelona 2
Suarez (10'), Messi (52')

Real Madrid 2
Ronaldo (14'), Bale (72')

Updated: April 30, 2023, 6:04 AM