Dr Mohammed Ali Shaflout is a Saudi entrepreneur and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) specialising in Clinical Pharmacy. After earning his degree in 2018, he built a successful career with leading international pharmaceutical companies, gaining hands-on experience in medical sales and healthcare operations. Inspired by his lifelong love for cats, Dr Shaflout shifted his focus from human healthcare to animal wellbeing, founding Loqma — a homegrown Saudi brand under Nukhbah Aljamal Commercial Ltd dedicated to premium cat nutrition. With a vision to blend pharmaceutical precision and compassionate care, he aims to redefine pet nutrition standards in the region. Today, Dr Shaflout leads Loqma’s growth as a proud example of Saudi innovation, bridging science and passion to promote healthier, happier lives for cats.
Could you share what inspired the creation of Loqma and how the company’s mission reflects your vision for the pet nutrition industry in the Kingdom and the wider region?
Loqma was founded out of our passion for pets and our recognition of the rapid growth of the pet food industry in Saudi Arabia. We identified an opportunity to create a Saudi brand that meets international quality standards while reflecting local preferences. Our mission has always been to provide scientifically developed, high-protein and nutritionally balanced formulations that promote cats’ health and vitality. Loqma was built on the belief that Saudi consumers deserve world-class pet food tailored to their needs. By combining quality, science and cultural understanding, Loqma represents a new era for pet nutrition in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.
What advantages does local manufacturing bring in terms of supply chain resilience, quality assurance, and responsiveness to market trends?
At Nukhbah Aljamal Commercial (Ltd), we believe in a diversified manufacturing approach that ensures flexibility and quality. We own several brands, some produced locally in Saudi Arabia and others manufactured abroad under strict Saudi specifications and standards. This hybrid model allows us to maintain consistency in quality while adapting quickly to market trends. The Kingdom’s strong support for local industries has created an ideal environment for growth, innovation and supply chain efficiency. We view this integration between local and international production as a strategic advantage that strengthens Loqma’s competitiveness and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030.
How has Loqma adapted its product development or brand strategy to meet the evolving expectations of pet owners in the region?
At Loqma, we are continuously adapting to the region’s fast-growing pet food market by improving our product development and promoting nutritional awareness among consumers. Our formulas are carefully designed to balance premium nutrition with taste, meeting the needs of both cats and their owners. We closely monitor market trends to ensure our offerings align with evolving lifestyles and consumer expectations. Beyond product innovation, we are committed to educating pet owners about proper nutrition and its impact on overall feline health. Loqma’s approach blends science, awareness and empathy, reflecting our deep understanding of Saudi and regional consumer behaviour.
From sourcing and production to packaging and distribution, how is Loqma approaching ingredient traceability and sustainability?
At Loqma, transparency and ingredient traceability are central to our philosophy. We collaborate with trusted suppliers who follow strict safety and quality standards to ensure the purity and consistency of our ingredients. Our responsibility extends through every stage — from sourcing and production to logistics and distribution — with a focus on operational efficiency and waste reduction. We are committed to improving our processes in line with Saudi Arabia’s sustainability initiatives, reflecting our dedication to responsible, high-quality production. Loqma strives to represent the values of integrity, accountability, and progress that define Saudi Vision 2030.
What do you see as the biggest innovation opportunity and the most significant challenge for Loqma and the regional pet food industry over the next few years?
We see the greatest innovation opportunity in developing specialised, research-driven nutritional formulas tailored to the needs of pets in our region. Advances in digital technology and personalised nutrition offer exciting potential to enhance both product performance and consumer engagement. The main challenge, however, lies in raising nutritional awareness and building stronger trust in regional brands amid growing global competition. At Loqma, we believe the future of the pet food industry depends on combining scientific advancement with cultural authenticity — creating sustainable, innovative products that reflect Saudi values while meeting the highest global standards.
