RIYADH: The Riyadh Dog Festival returns for its second year with a range of activities and competitions to draw an international crowd of dog lovers, with a spotlight on the Arabian Saluki breed.
The festival, part of Riyadh Season 2024, began on Dec. 2 and is scheduled to run until Dec. 7, featuring more than 1,000 dogs in various activities, according to the General Entertainment Authority.
It will host several competitions, including five main categories: Saluki races, agility dog races, working dog races, a dog beauty contest, and K9 shows.
Attendee Sara Abdulrahman brought her white miniature poodle Cloud, who struck a pose in his colorfully dyed ears and paws.
Abdulrahman told Arab News she attended the event to see what the festival had to offer.
“I want to see what they (Riyadh Season) have prepped for Saudi Arabia and who will win the competition. I also came to get a change of scenery and take a walk with Cloud.”
Wanting her pet to have a different look, Abdulrahman found a pet salon in the Kingdom that dyes animals’ coats with natural ingredients.
“I wanted a different look for my poodle. They are all usually white or brown so I wanted something new and stylish.”
Abdulrahman is one of the many visitors who attended the festival with their pets.
The event spotlights the Saluki breed with a specialized museum. The Saluki is one of the oldest purebred dogs in the world and is believed to have originated in the Middle East.
The museum includes an educational exhibit about the breed’s history and regional significance.
Other attractions at the festival include a Cat Lounge, with different breeds of cats visitors can feed and play with, and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and classic car display featuring decked-out motorcycles and vintage vehicles.
Additional activities include dog fashion shows, grooming demonstrations, a dog park, and a sheepdog demonstration.
The event offers comprehensive facilities and services, including a dedicated dog club, diverse restaurants and cafes, retail shops, and fully equipped health clinics to ensure proper care for participating dogs.
