Paws & Partners Pet Retail Event in Riyadh Recap

When cultures collide and innovation thrives, exciting advancements are made in the world of pet retail.

In January, I had the privilege of attending the Paws & Partners Pet Retail Event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, not just as a guest but also as a speaker. 

Hosted by Muntajat—a leading distributor in the region—the event was nothing short of spectacular. 

Featuring high production value and remarkable attention to detail, it was a platform designed to unite pet industry professionals from across the globe.

From engaging discussions about evolving consumer behavior to innovations that left even seasoned marketers like myself impressed, the show highlighted the rapid progress and untapped potential in the Saudi pet retail landscape. 

Here's a full recap of this unforgettable event and its key takeaways for pet retailers and industry professionals worldwide.

What Made Paws & Partners Stand Out? 

The Paws & Partners event wasn’t your average industry gathering. 

It was evident that Muntajah made a significant investment not only in creating a visually appealing and functional space but also in curating an agenda that offered immense value. 

Networking opportunities, insightful discussions on pet retail trends, and the unveiling of cutting-edge innovations were just the beginning. 

The energy at the event was palpable. You could sense that Riyadh’s pet retail market is gearing up for rapid growth. With a young, tech-savvy population and increasing Western influences, it’s a region bursting with possibilities. 

Now, let's dig deeper into the major themes and takeaways that emerged from Paws & Partners. 

Key Themes & Takeaways 

1. Retail Market & Store Experience in Riyadh 

The retail structure in Riyadh took me by surprise. Unlike many Western cities, where retail locations are dispersed, Riyadh clusters similar stores together—for example, you might find multiple pet stores on a single block. It’s a highly practical approach that offers consumers variety and convenience all in one location. 

However, the store quality varied widely. Some were sleek and modern, with supermarket-style layouts, while others felt outdated and cluttered. It's clear that there’s an opportunity for retailers to elevate the in-store experience, but physical presence is becoming less critical than digital visibility. 

Social media is an essential driver of consumer choices. Detailed store photos and customer engagement on platforms like TikTok and Instagram are often what bring foot traffic to these businesses—not necessarily the storefront itself. 

2. Saudi Consumer Behavior vs. the U.S. Market 

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Saudi pet retail market is the consumer behavior shift. Over 66% of the Saudi population is under the age of 30—a stark contrast to Western markets. These young consumers are exceptionally tech-savvy, spending over 30 hours per month on social media. 

TikTok in particular has emerged as a vital discovery tool, especially for pet-related products. 

Social proof—such as influencer reviews and customer-generated content—significantly influences purchasing decisions. This trend underscores the importance of a rock-solid online marketing strategy. 

Compared to the U.S., where physical retail and eCommerce may complement one another, digital presence in Saudi Arabia often takes the lead. Brands must develop genuine, engaging content to capture attention and convert social media views into meaningful sales. 

3. Pet Industry Trends & Cultural Differences 

For those of us familiar with Western pet retail, where dogs dominate as the top pet category, the Saudi market feels like stepping into an alternate universe. Approximately 90% of retail inventory in Riyadh is geared toward cats! 

Birds and fish come in second and third respectively, with dogs occupying a relatively small niche. 

These trends can be attributed to cultural preferences, but gradual Westernization is reshaping the landscape. Small dogs, in particular, are gaining popularity among younger demographics. 

The product selection was another eye-opener. Unique offerings, such as specialized grooming kits for cats and premium bird feed, are thriving categories that retailers should keep an eye on. 

4. Innovation & Technology in Retail 

If there’s one area where Paws & Partners truly stole the show, it was innovation. Muntajat showcased a prototype of smart shelf technology powered by AI. 

Equipped with webcams, these shelves provide instant product comparisons and even offer audio and visual guidance to shoppers. 

Imagine browsing a pet store where you can simply point to a product, and the shelf tells you why it’s the best option for your pet. 

This level of innovation hasn’t made its way into U.S. pet retail yet, but it demonstrated the immense potential of AI-driven customer engagement. Beyond convenience, this technology offers valuable data collection opportunities to help retailers refine inventory strategies and improve consumer insights. 

5. Loyalty & Customer Retention Strategies 

Muntajat’s gala dinner was perhaps my favorite moment of the event. During the gala, the company rolled out its loyalty rewards program with an unforgettable gesture—gifting gold bars to top buyers and sellers. 

You read that right—actual gold bars were handed out as a thank you. If that doesn't inspire loyalty, I don’t know what will! 

This bold strategy highlights the importance of recognizing customers in meaningful and culturally relevant ways. 

With such a young, dynamic market, the focus on building brand loyalty is critical. Whether it’s creative rewards programs or consistently engaging with customers online, retailers in Saudi Arabia understand that loyalty equals longevity. 

What Does This Mean for the Global Pet Retail Industry? 

The Saudi pet retail market is younger than its U.S. counterpart, but it’s growing at an incredible rate. 

For brands looking to expand globally, this region presents a goldmine (pun intended) of opportunities, provided you’re willing to adapt to its unique consumer behaviors and trends. 

Brands need to prioritize digital marketing efforts, maintain a compelling presence on social platforms, and incorporate innovative retail technologies to remain competitive. 

The insights I gained from Paws & Partners were invaluable—not just for understanding how the pet retail industry operates in Riyadh but also for anticipating how it might evolve in the coming years. 

Final Thoughts 

Attending Paws & Partners showed me that cultural and market differences are not obstacles—they’re opportunities. By understanding these differences, we can design strategies that resonate with local consumers and establish stronger international partnerships. 

For those of us in the global pet retail industry, Riyadh has set a benchmark for what’s possible when innovation and cultural relevance come together. If you’re a retailer or brand aiming to make a splash in new markets, now is the time to broaden your horizons. 

Want to discuss how to elevate your digital marketing strategy in new regions? Don’t hesitate to reach out. At Pet Engine Marketing, we specialize in helping pet businesses like yours achieve exponential growth. 

Until next time, keep innovating and keep growing.