By Fawaz Adebisi
Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host its first-ever ‘Dog Festival’ as part of the Riyadh Season, a city-wide festival, shocking the rest of the world considering the stance of Islam—the country’s dominant religion—on dog ownership.
It was gathered that from November 1 to December 30, Riyadh Season will transform into a haven for dog enthusiasts, featuring over 250 dogs competing in a myriad of categories.
It was further learnt that the festivities will include a pup beauty contest and thrilling competitions in Saluki Race, IGP, Agility, and Dog Show, all set to unfold at the expansive Boulevard Hall spanning 200,000 square meters.
According to the the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Riyadh Season has witnessed an astonishing 2 million visitors within the initial two weeks, with projections pointing toward a growing influx from around the Kingdom and the world.
As the 2023 Riyadh Season unfolds under the theme “Big Time,” the introduction of the ‘Dog Festival’ adds a unique and unexpected dimension to the event.
The festival, now in its fourth edition, has not only become a cultural phenomenon but also a catalyst for economic growth, creating over 200,000 job opportunities and engaging 2,000 companies.
