For now, though, the Hound is embracing the past, a time when everyone seemed to have a dog-eared novel to hand.

BBC: A Vancouver page turner

There is also racing of purebred Arabian salukis, the slender sight-hound that is one of the world's most ancient breeds of domesticated dog, as well as handicrafts displays.

CNN: Head turners of the desert: A camel beauty pageant in the UAE