A changing market

Mecca and Medina, two of Islam’s three holiest sites, are located in Saudi Arabia. Religious beliefs, as well as the climate and economy, have long made it difficult for the pet industry to gain a foothold in the Middle East. However, those days seem to be over as the number of pet owners has increased significantly. The global trend towards pets as family members seems to have arrived here.

It is hard to find a market for the pet industry that is still in its infancy and whose potential is not nearly exhausted. This makes it all the more exciting to see how Saudi Arabia is developing. Pet shops, breeders and clinics are springing up all over the Kingdom. According to the Arab media, the pet care market is estimated to be worth 4.4 bn Saudi riyals, with an annual growth rate of over 9 per cent.

The monarchically ruled country is in a state of upheaval, opening up to the Western world, and the opportunities for growth are huge – even if patience is required. Religious beliefs, such as the belief that pets such as dogs are “unclean”, are becoming increasingly diluted.

Official statistics show that the number of pets in local households has almost doubled.

In Saudi Arabia, the picture is now very similar to the key markets of the US and China: the cat food market is growing faster than the dog food market. By 2021, there will be more cats than dogs kept as pets. The Middle East is also seeing a significant increase in the acceptance of indoor cats. A cat already lives in 21 per cent of households. Dogs as pets are lagging behind more than ever. According to Euromonitor, only 3 per cent of households have a dog. Large breeds are becoming increasingly popular.

Cats are currently the most popular pet because they adapt well to local environments and are perceived to be sacred, healthier and cheaper to buy and care for than other pets. Cats are also easier to keep as they are more independent, more…