Strong attendance and promising investment agreements at the third Saudi Pet & Vet Expo

Ammar Al-Zaiter, CEO of City Events, which organized the expo, explains that the event aims to establish an annual platform for exchanging local and international expertise and raising stakeholders’ awareness of the importance of investing in the industry. The expo also seeks to highlight the significance of pet ownership in society and promote a culture of volunteer work.

The third edition took place in Riyadh from October 28 – 30 and saw participants from 18 countries and over 130 local and international exhibitors. The expo specializes in the veterinary and pet industries, including veterinary clinics, pet food manufacturers, pet supply retailers, hotels, grooming centers, vaccine manufacturers and animal welfare organizations.

The expo included the “My Pet in My Life” contest, a Mini Farm Corner, an Adoption Corner, Saudi Arabia’s first cat show and expert-led workshops.

The latest studies from international research centers estimate that the pet care market in Saudi Arabia is worth around $1.2 billion (€1.1B). Its annual growth rate exceeds 9%. Saudi Arabia also imports pet and bird food from 18 countries worldwide.

Opening ceremony

The Deputy Minister for Agriculture of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, His Excellency Eng. Ahmed Saleh Aiadh marked the opening of this year’s Saudi Pet & Vet Expo.

Several General Directors, representatives from the National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (Weqaa Center), the National Company for Agricultural Services, and other interested parties attended the event at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.

The opening speech was delivered by Princess Nouf Bint Al Saud, Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture for Agriculture Investment and Financial Sustainability Director at the National Livestock & Fisheries Development Program. She highlighted the importance of livestock for the agricultural sector, which contributes to economic growth in line with Saudi Vision 2030, a financial and social reform plan launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2016.

Princess Nouf emphasized that the national strategic message for animal welfare aims to achieve effective cooperation with all stakeholders to enhance animal welfare and promote One Health, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health through social responsibility with the highest quality and efficiency.

The opening ceremony included the signing of several cooperation agreements between various local and international entities in the sector, including:

• The National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP), Delicious Food Company and LUMIN Software Solutions.
• Delicious Food Company with Happy Pet Gulf Trading and FAMSUN.
• The insurance company Tree with the Rahma Society for Animal Welfare and Asil.
• Healthcare and pharmaceutical company Luqman and four entities, including Turkish pet food manufacturer Petiva, Al-Jana Group, Al-Jawana, Alyef Clinic, and Transporter.