Saudi is Hosting Riyadh Dog Festival
Riyadh, the vibrant capital city of Saudi Arabia, recently wrapped up its inaugural Global Riyadh Dog Festival, held as part of the larger Riyadh Season festivities. Representing a first-of-its-kind event in the region, the festival saw participation from over 250 dogs worldwide, adding a distinctive canine charm to the ongoing Riyadh Season.
Riyadh Dog Festival
Taking place at the expansive Boulevard Hall from November 1 to December 30, the festival featured various competitions, including a beauty contest, Saluki Race, IGP, Agility challenges, and a Dog Show. Esteemed judges, such as Mr. Sadiq Al Farsani from Bahrain, Mrs. Tijana Konrad from Serbia, and Mr. Igor VyguZov from Russia, lent their expertise to evaluate the participating dogs, contributing to a celebration of canine excellence.
Riyadh Season 2023
Riyadh Season, themed “Big Time,” is an annual extravaganza offering diverse and thrilling experiences. This year’s highlights included the introduction of Barbie World and the Disney Castle for the first time in the Middle East. Now in its fourth edition, the festival has not only provided entertainment but also contributed to economic growth, creating over 200,000 job opportunities and engaging 2,000 companies.
Within the first two weeks of its launch, Riyadh Season drew 2 million visitors, with expectations of attracting more from across the Kingdom and the world in the coming months.
The Global Dog Festival, a new addition to Riyadh Season, showcased the diverse talents of canine companions and brought together dog lovers from various corners of the world.
The Boulevard Hall, constructed in a remarkable 60 days, became the epicenter of this canine extravaganza, accommodating over 40,000 visitors at a time. Tickets were made available in two categories – a one-day regular admission at SAR 75 and a one-day VIP access at SAR 500.
As Riyadh bids farewell to this unique festival, the event sheds light on the evolving perspectives towards dogs in Saudi Arabia. Historically, the treatment of dogs in the region has been utilitarian, with working dogs serving specific roles. However, events like the Global Dog Festival signal a shift towards recognizing and celebrating dogs as companions and integral members of families.
While the festival marks a positive stride, it is worth noting that Saudi Arabia, like many other places, is in the process of reevaluating its relationship with dogs.
Traditionally seen as working animals or as guards, the concept of dogs as pets is relatively recent. Changes in urban lifestyles, an increase in expatriates, and a global shift in attitudes toward pets have all contributed to altering the perception of dogs in Saudi society.
As the Global Dog Festival concludes, it stands as a testament to changing attitudes towards dogs in Saudi Arabia and the region. While the festival itself was a spectacle, it is part of a broader narrative where dogs are finding their place not just as workers but as beloved companions.
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