Saudi Pet Expo Showcases Expanding Pet Culture and Competitive Spirit

Riyadh – The Saudi Pet Expo 2025 brought together pet enthusiasts, breeders, and industry specialists at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre, offering an extensive look into the Kingdom’s expanding pet community and the rising standards shaping animal care across the nation.

Held from Nov. 24 to 26, the event highlighted a growing interest in grooming, breeding, veterinary innovation and pet-focused technologies that continue to transform the domestic market.

Now in its fourth edition, the expo featured diverse participants ranging from grooming academies and veterinary clinics to tech startups, product manufacturers and animal-care brands, reflecting how pet ownership has become a thriving lifestyle trend within the Kingdom. The atmosphere blended education, competition and entertainment, drawing families, hobbyists and professionals eager to explore new offerings.

One of the major attractions was the return of the International Cat Show, a competition that drew significant public attention as participants presented their cats for judging based on breed conformity, overall health, grooming quality and unique characteristics.

The show served as a platform for pet owners to showcase their dedication while learning more about breed standards and evaluation criteria used in global competitions.

Some owners attended on behalf of their children, expressing pride in their pets and enthusiasm for the growing interest in cat competitions nationwide.

Many hoped to see similar events expand across the Kingdom so families in other regions could participate more easily.

Others described the process of preparing their pets, expressing excitement about the possibility of earning recognition for their animals’ appearance and temperament.

Competitors shared stories about their cats, highlighting breed traits and the affection they have for their pets.

Some participants introduced Scottish fold and ragdoll cats, describing them as gentle, expressive and well-groomed, and noting how judges examine details such as facial structure, coat condition, claws and tail alignment before making final decisions.

Beyond cats, the expo included a dedicated area for bird and reptile enthusiasts, allowing visitors to interact with exotic species including parrots, snakes and crocodiles under expert supervision.

This section became a popular attraction for families, offering safe hands-on experiences with animals that are rarely accessible in everyday settings.

The grooming sector took center stage as well, with demonstrations and competitions designed to raise awareness about professional standards in the pet-care industry.

Exhibitors emphasized the importance of training, certification and international grooming practices, noting that the region is witnessing a surge in demand for skilled professionals capable of delivering high-quality services to pet owners.

Several participants noted that the event brought international competitors and educators to Saudi Arabia, helping elevate the regional industry.

Groomers from Europe and other regions joined competitions and workshops, contributing to discussions on safety standards, tool use and animal handling techniques essential for professional grooming environments.

Pet businesses also viewed the expo as a valuable opportunity to showcase products and connect with a rapidly expanding customer base.

Companies participating for the first time highlighted strong foot traffic, high engagement and positive feedback from visitors, describing the event as an effective platform for brand visibility, customer interaction and market exploration.

Executives from participating firms commented on the strong turnout and the effectiveness of the expo in attracting a wide audience of both consumers and industry players.

They expressed optimism about future editions and the potential for expansion as demand for pet services and products continues to rise across the Kingdom.

Throughout the three-day event, families explored new technologies such as pet-care apps powered by artificial intelligence, while breeders exchanged expertise, and grooming academies promoted training programs designed to support a more specialized workforce.

Exhibitors showcased innovations ranging from automated feeding systems to veterinary solutions designed to improve animal health and welfare.

The expo underscored how Saudi Arabia’s pet community is becoming increasingly connected, knowledgeable and invested in improving standards across all aspects of animal care.

From competitive shows and rescue initiatives to advanced grooming demonstrations and business collaboration, the growing ecosystem reflects a broader cultural shift toward responsible pet ownership and enhanced service availability throughout the country.