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Saudi Arabia has its first dog cafe

Young men and women gather at the cafe with dogs of all sizes.
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The first of it’s kind dog cafe opens its business within Saudi Arabia, a conservative kingdom where majority of the population are Muslims.

In Islam, dogs are considered unclean animals and are generally banned from public places in Saudi Arabia. The country’s once-notorious religious police used to ban the walking of pets.

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The Barking Lot, which opened its business in June in the coastal city of Khobar, has delighted animal lovers in a country where there are but few places to take pets outside the home.

The Barking Lot’s owner, Dalal Ahmed who originates from Kuwait, said she got the idea during a previous visit to the kingdom.

“I came to Saudi Arabia for a visit with my dog, but wasn’t allowed to walk on the beach with him,” I was very sad and decided to help by opening a coffee shop for people who have dogs — and even for those who do not.”

said Dalal Ahmed

Wilfred Tan
Former journalist cum editor. I lead the content creation process at News Asia Today. From the awesome country of Malaysia.