Pet lovers head for Nad Al Sheba

Even birds get in on the act, as more than 1,000 pets of every conceivable variety gather for the Pedigree and Whiskas Pet Show on Saturday.

Prizes are on offer in a host of categories, from pure-bred show champions to fun-filled fancy dress events. And the lapdogs will have the chance to try out the Agility Ring where their highly-trained counterparts from Dubai and Abu Dhabi police will display their skills and courage.

Anyone who has a pet - or would like to - will see the whole spectrum of friendship, skill, and bravery in a great family day out at the Nad Al Sheba Club.

Admission is free, but a nominal entry fee is levied for pets entered for judging in the various competitions. More than 35,000 people are expected to attend, from across the UAE as well as neighbouring states.

And the entire occasion is all for a good cause. All sponsorship proceeds and donations from the day are for the benefit of K9 and Feline Friends, charities that provide good homes for abandoned animals, ensuring their wellbeing and regularly reuniting lost pets with their owners.

But as well as all the fun and games, the Pedigree and Whiskas Pet Show also has a serious side, educating people in the joys of animal companionship while encouraging responsible pet ownership.

"For 18 years, the show has been successfully focusing on communicating the benefits of pets in the community," said Maya Theodory, pet care manager at Masterfoods, the show's sponsors. "Responsible ownership is essential in the pet-human relationship, so we want to demonstrate how this can be achieved to the optimum mutual benefit."