Pregnant women often find it difficult to find fashionable clothes to suit the needs of their fast-changing bodies. Maternity wear outlets usually focus on comfort, not on style and the latest trends.
But Joud N.’s outlet Blooming Mum has managed to integrate both in its collection.
She told Arab News that she was inspired to start the business after her own experience with motherhood.
“I came up with the idea of Blooming Mum when I was blessed with my firstborn in Korea. I was adjusting to my new life as a mother and constantly looking for products and ideas to make my experience easier and less stressful.
“I came across maternity clothes that were tailored for breastfeeding moms. I was amazed at the idea and instantly thought that it should be easily available to all mothers everywhere.”
She said that as a new mom while studying full-time, she felt strong compassion toward all mothers who were trying their best while working to achieve their goals. “It got me thinking constantly about how to create a supportive community of mothers who can share their experiences and rely on each other to make motherhood as enjoyable as it could be.”
When Joud moved back to Saudi Arabia, she could not get the idea out of her head.
“I was going back and forth between the idea of building an online community through a blog or a website, or through a store for maternity clothes and products. I was constantly hearing from new mothers how difficult it was to find stylish clothes that fit their new belly or that they wanted to wear, and so launching this shop was a great way to fill the gap and fulfill their needs,” she said.
“I immediately started looking for suppliers who could provide me the best quality clothes that were equally comfortable and stylish. I made sure to provide mothers with stylish clothes that not only made them look good but also made them feel amazing in breathable fabric that was gentle on their skin,” she added.
Joud said that her vision for the store is to make it a one-stop-shop for all mothers to make their experience easy and comfortable.
“I chose the name Blooming Mum to represent all the beautiful mothers who are growing into their new role and finding themselves in motherhood,” she said.
Since Joud launched her shop, she said that she has been asked to expand her collection as women say there are not enough maternity clothing stores.
“These comments keep me going and renew my belief in what I’m doing,” she said.
“Blooming Mum is a new venture that is still at the beginning of its journey but I can’t wait to take this journey with my fellow mothers and create the supportive community we all need,” she added.
You can follow Joud’s account on Instagram and check her collection at @bloomingmum.shop.
Startup of the Week: Ahead of the curve — stylish clothes for pregnant women
https://arab.news/rff9v
Startup of the Week: Ahead of the curve — stylish clothes for pregnant women

- Joud said that her vision for the store is to make it a one-stop-shop for all mothers to make their experience easy and comfortable
Kingdom arrests 23,167 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 23,167 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 14,525 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,511 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,131 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,593 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 69 percent were Ethiopian, 30 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 41 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 22 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia to support education for Yemeni children

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has signed a cooperation agreement to support education for children affected by conflict in the Al-Hawtah and Tuban districts of Yemen’s Lahij governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The project, in partnership with a local civil society organization, will directly benefit 6,833 people and indirectly reach 16,000 others, according to the report.
The agreement was signed via video conference by Ahmed Al-Baiz, KSrelief’s assistant supervisor-general for operations and programs.
The project will include awareness campaigns promoting education — with a particular focus on encouraging school attendance among girls; the distribution of school bags, uniforms, and hygiene kits; the provision of psychological and social support, child protection services, and referral mechanisms; teacher training for volunteers; and the provision of materials for classrooms.
Selected classrooms will also be refurbished “to improve the learning environment,” the SPA stated.
The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian efforts through KSrelief, with the aim of supporting education and protecting children in crisis areas, ensuring access to a safe and sustainable learning environment.
Saudi Arabia suspends seven Umrah companies for housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations

- The violations came as part of the Hajj and Umrah ministry’s oversight efforts to improve quality of services
- The ministry called on all Umrah companies, institutions to fully comply with approved regulations, instructions
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended seven Umrah companies over violations of regulatory controls, including housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported this week.
The violations were identified as part of the ministry’s ongoing oversight efforts to improve the quality of services provided to the ‘Guests of God,’ according to the SPA report.
“The Ministry explained that these violations constitute serious transgressions that affect the safety and comfort of pilgrims,” it said.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said it had immediately begun taking legal measures against the violating companies in preparation for the implementation of the penalties stipulated by the law, according to the report.
“The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah affirmed its keenness to ensure that pilgrims receive their full rights, in accordance with the highest standards of quality and efficiency, stressing that it will not be lenient with any party that fails to fulfill its contractual obligations or endangers the safety of pilgrims,” the report read further.
The ministry called on all Umrah companies and institutions to fully comply with the approved regulations and instructions, and to ensure the provision of agreed-upon services within the specified timetables to contribute to enhancing the experience of pilgrims and achieving their satisfaction during their stay in the Kingdom.
Human Rights Commission, King Khalid Foundation sign cooperation agreement

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission and the King Khalid Foundation struck a strategic partnership through a cooperation agreement signed in Riyadh on Thursday, marking a significant step toward advancing human rights protection in the Kingdom.
The agreement was signed by Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, and Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Abdullah, CEO of the King Khalid Foundation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The partnership is designed to strengthen coordination between the two organizations while making the most of their combined expertise to promote human rights initiatives throughout Saudi Arabia.
Under the terms of the agreement, the organizations will collaborate on joint research projects focusing on human rights issues, launch public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of human rights understanding, and develop community-based initiatives that align with their shared mission.
The partnership also aims to highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to human rights and sustainable development on both the domestic and international stages.
The partnership comes as Saudi Arabia continues to prioritize human rights advancement through legislative reforms, public education programs, and enhanced community engagement.
The Kingdom has been actively working to elevate the profile of its civil society organizations and their contributions to human rights progress through joint community initiatives and collaborative projects.
Solo but not sad: Young Saudis embrace freedom of living alone

- Young Saudis embrace freedom of living alone as it gives them the sense of empowerment
ALKHOBAR: For decades, the idea of a young Saudi living alone, by choice, was seen as rebellious and met with skepticism and rejection. But today, a new generation is embracing solo life with pride and a sense of personal power.
Across major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Alkhobar, young Saudis in their 20s are carving out homes of their own — not out of necessity but out of a desire for independence, comfort and self-growth. From students to young professionals, both women and men are stepping into their own apartments, styling their own spaces and redefining what it means to build a life.
Sarah Al-Ahmadi, 27, moved into her own apartment in Riyadh two years ago. At first, the silence was unbearable.

“I’ve lived alone for two years now. At the beginning, I was depressed — I didn’t like the lifestyle, especially in Riyadh,” she said. “I couldn’t make friends, and I didn’t like the city. But over time, I started to build a life. Now, I can’t imagine living any other way.”
What once felt isolating became empowering. Al-Ahmadi discovered joy in being the sole decision-maker in her home: What she ate, how she decorated and who she invited, and when.
“It’s amazing to be fully independent and responsible for everything in my home,” she said. “I don’t need anyone. It’s beautiful when I invite my friends to a space that reflects my personality. Back at my parents’ house, I had to host them in the family living room. But here, we can cook together, have sleepovers and enjoy ourselves without a single worry.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• From students to young professionals, both women and men are stepping into their own apartments, styling their own spaces and redefining what it means to build a life.
• Waad Al-Marzouq’s family lives in the same city, and she sees them often. But the freedom of having her own space has changed how she views.
Mohammed Al-Dossari, 26, made the decision to live alone after returning from years of studying abroad.
“After coming back from my scholarship abroad, I decided not to move back in with my family,” he said. “I had already gotten used to being responsible for myself, for everything — and I liked that lifestyle. I wanted to keep it going.”
For Al-Dossari, solo living is not just about space, it is also about ownership: Of time, of priorities and of life itself.
Today, he manages his work schedule, home maintenance and meals on his own. He described his home as peaceful, personalized and reflective of who he is — not just as a son, but as a man finding his rhythm.
In Jeddah, Waad Al-Marzouq, 19, faced resistance from almost everyone she knew after floating the idea of living alone.
“Everyone was against it. My dad was especially worried about me living alone at such a young age,” she said. “But I’ve always been stable and independent in my own room, so I thought — why not? I got myself a studio apartment near my university and moved in.”
Al-Marzouq’s family lives in the same city, and she sees them often. But the freedom of having her own space has changed how she views adulthood.
“There’s nothing scary about it. My parents are nearby. I still see them. But now I have space to focus, to grow. It’s not a rebellion — it’s a choice.”
Al-Marzouq said living alone is important for design: Designing her days, her goals and even designing her tiny studio with candles, plants and her favorite throw pillows.
Social shifts have helped normalize solo living. More women are entering the workforce. Young Saudis are studying abroad. New real estate developments are offering studio and one-bedroom units in urban areas. Platforms like Airbnb and online property apps have also made it easier to search, rent and furnish without needing a family member to step in.
Psychologist Abeer Al-Shammari told Arab News that the rise in solo living reflects both emotional maturity and social evolution.
“Choosing to live alone can signal a strong sense of self,” she said. “These young adults are setting boundaries, creating their own routines and building self-reliance. It’s not just a lifestyle — it’s part of their identity development.”
But she warned that solo living also requires emotional preparation.
“The early phase can trigger anxiety or loneliness, especially for those coming from tightly-knit families,” she said. “But with time and proper coping strategies, many experience a deep sense of fulfillment and confidence.”
Interestingly, many solo dwellers say their relationships with family have improved since moving out.
“They don’t take me for granted anymore,” Al-Ahmadi said with a laugh. “When I visit now, it feels special. I’m not just ‘around.’ I’m someone they wait for.”
Al-Marzouq agreed: “My parents respect my independence now. We talk more meaningfully. There’s more mutual understanding.”
And for Al-Dossari, solo living has not resulted in isolation. He has become more intentional about friendships — hosting friends for dinner, going out when he wants and setting healthy boundaries.
“It taught me balance,” he said. “And it taught me how to enjoy my own company.”