The e-commerce industry in Saudi Arabia is flourishing at an unprecedented rate. Tech-savvy Saudi youth are making the most of the technology by launching innovative business ideas.
One of them is 26-year-old Huda Foudah, who chose to showcase her creativity through her online jewelry store Salam Charm.
According to Foudah, all her creations carry meaning.
“My jewelry mostly targets people who want to be unique and buy things that are light on their wallets without compromising on the quality.”
Foudah designs all the jewelry pieces herself. The idea of creating her jewelry came to her some time ago, when she failed to find affordable and unique items for herself.
“Most of the items were gold, which was too expensive for my income. The less expensive pieces were average-looking and common. That’s when I decided to start making my own,” she told Arab News.
When she ordered samples of her designs and started wearing them, it caught the eyes of those around her. Seeing how different her pieces were, her friends and family suggested that she should get into the business.
Like all businesses, Foudah faced initial challenges. She described the beginning as frustrating because of the underlying fear that she might not succeed. Marketing the products was a huge task.
“I also had a full-time job that was very time-consuming. However, I quit my day job to focus on Salam Charm full-time.”
Foudah explained the meaning behind some of her jewelry: “Each design means something. For instance, I have this choker that says ‘La,’ which in Arabic means ‘No,’ and that was meant as a reminder for myself of when to say no in life.”
Foudah described her journey as life-changing, saying that she has made genuine friends and that the community she found herself in was “unbelievably overwhelming with love.”
“People choose Salam Charm to brighten up someone else’s day. So I have a lot of men who buy my jewelry for their wives or their moms, and it’s a very humbling feeling to know that a piece of Salam Charm is going to have this effect,” she said.
Foudah expressed concern over the lack of exposure small enterprises receive. She said that she has worked hard to make a name for her brand and feels that there should be a platform for small businesses to showcase their products and market their goods to a larger audience.
“Local businesses not only make a name for themselves, but they also help boost the economy. So, we need more support from the government and people alike.”
For her future, the jeweler said that she wants her brand to grow bigger and that she would like to carry on creating unique, meaningful designs. While she does not have a certain plan, she is finding happiness living in the moment for now.
Startup of the Week: Jewelry designer adds charm to people’s lives through creativity
https://arab.news/n8y8c
Startup of the Week: Jewelry designer adds charm to people’s lives through creativity
- The idea of creating her jewelry came to her some time ago, when she failed to find affordable and unique items for herself
How Saudi Arabia’s peregrina oil is taking over the beauty world
DUBAI: A hidden gem of the desert is making waves on the global stage, and it’s coming straight from the heart of Saudi Arabia.
The AlUla Peregrina Trading Company is getting ready to showcase its peregrina active oil and extracts at in-cosmetics Global — a cosmetics ingredients trade show — in Amsterdam this month.
The story behind APTC’s signature ingredient is as rich as the desert itself. The peregrina tree, native to AlUla, is known for thriving in the harsh Arabian climate. It produces nutrient-rich seeds that have been prized for centuries, and now APTC is giving this ancient treasure a modern twist.
APTC’s chairman and CEO, Abobakar Alanazi, sees the tree as a symbol of resilience and beauty. “It’s a true gem of nature,” he told Arab News. “What makes it exceptional for skin and hair care is the unique composition of its oil and extracts packed with antioxidants, essential fatty acids and bioactive compounds that nourish, protect and rejuvenate skin.”
APTC’s virgin peregrina oil is “light yet deeply nourishing,” he added, “helping to hydrate the skin, improve elasticity, reduce fine lines and boost hair density.”
For Alanazi, the oil “exemplifies the essence of desert heritage and longevity in beauty, blending ancient wisdom with modern skincare innovation for a perfect balance.”
APTC works directly with 159 local farmers, ensuring that every bottle of peregrina oil is traceable from farm to skin. Alanazi also said that 90 percent of APTC’s employees are locals, with 70 percent being women.
“We take pride in establishing peregrina as an asset of AlUla and Saudi Arabia, focusing on the empowerment of local communities,” he said.
But breaking into the international beauty scene has not been easy. “One of our biggest challenges has been to position the desert of Arabia on the map of the global ingredients market,” Alanazi said.
But APTC has now secured partnerships with international brands, including an exclusive deal with Cartier for the launch of skincare products using winterized peregrina oil. These include three premium cosmetics products: pure oil for the face and hair, a face cream and aromatic oils.
Saudi model Roz on her homecoming: ‘It feels emotional in the best way’
- The Saudi model recently returned to the Kingdom for the first time in years
DUBAI: Roz — famed for being the first Saudi female model to work internationally, and for recently starring in the reality show “Dubai Bling” — has returned to Saudi Arabia after a decade abroad, marking a pivotal moment in her career and personal journey.
Roz shot to fame in 2019 when she modelled for a Victoria’s Secret’s Pink campaign.
She had moved to the US in 2013 to pursue a degree in interior design, but her modelling soon took over. Her Instagram feed (she has more than 15 million followers) is littered with photographs of her various advertising campaigns, as well as visits to many a product launch party — from NYX Cosmetics events to TikTok gatherings.
Roz’s homecoming reflects both her cultural pride and her desire to reconnect with her roots.
“It feels emotional in the best way,” she told Arab News. “I’m not moving back just yet, but I’ll be visiting more often to show the world how beautiful my country truly is. Being back on Saudi soil after so long brought back so many memories. There’s a deep sense of pride in seeing how much the country has evolved — and experiencing that change in person is really special.”
The model, who has been working on the international fashion circuit for years, says she has seen a remarkable transformation in the Kingdom’s fashion scene.
According to Roz, the country is now fostering a new generation of creatives who are pushing boundaries and embracing self-expression through fashion. This shift is not only inspiring but also deeply personal to Roz, who sees it as a celebration of identity that she had long hoped to see.
“The transformation is incredible,” she said. “There’s a whole new generation of creatives pushing boundaries and telling their own stories through fashion. What excites me most is seeing that self-expression is finally being celebrated, and I’m honored to witness it during my visit.”
One of the key motivations behind Roz’s visit was her desire to be part of the dynamic changes unfolding in the region, especially in fashion and entertainment.
“It’s my country, and I’ve always wanted to come back, but I was stuck in the US due to visa issues,” she said. “Once I finally sorted that out, I knew it was time to visit and reconnect. With everything happening in the region and how quickly things are progressing in fashion and entertainment, I wanted to be present, show support, and be part of this exciting moment in some way.”
Roz’s career journey to date has been far from easy, she said.
“There were so many (challenges). I faced judgment, stereotypes, and a lack of representation. But I kept going because I knew I was paving a path that didn’t exist yet,” she said. “Every step was about proving that a Saudi woman can take over the international stage and still stay true to who she is.”
Her role on “Dubai Bling” has also significantly impacted her celebrity status. “It definitely opened me up to a broader audience — people may have only seen me through fashion campaigns before. It also showed a more personal side, which helped people relate to me,” she said. “It came with more eyes, more opinions, but also more love and support than I ever imagined.”
Roz sees fashion as a form of self-expression, and embraces her roots as a strength that makes her style unique.
“To me, fashion is all about storytelling. I love merging global trends with elements of my identity, whether in how I carry myself or the brands I choose to represent. Staying true to my roots is never a limitation; it’s actually what makes my style stand out,” she said.
Roz is keeping her upcoming projects under wraps, but says her focus is on staying authentic and using her platform to inspire young Saudi women.
“I hope they see that there’s no mold they have to fit into. You can be proudly Saudi, proudly creative, and take up space in any industry,” she said. “I hope my journey shows what is possible, and that their stories deserve to be told on a global scale.”
Hollywood red carpets play host to Arab designs
DUBAI: Awards ceremonies in Hollywood played host to Arab designs over the weekend with celebrities Sophia Bush, Becky G and Jennie wearing looks from the Middle East.
US actress Bush showed off a scarlet gown by Lebanese designer Jean Pierre Khoury at the at the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Thursday, complete with a beaded bodice and separate form-fitting skirt. Bush’s ensemble was put together by Dani Charlton and Emma Rubenstein, the fashion styling duo known as Dani + Emma.
Fast forward to Saturday night and singers Becky G and Jennie Kim, a member of K-Pop group Blackpink, both showed off looks by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.
US singer-actress Becky G opted for an all-white dress from Murad’s pre-Fall 2025 collection at the 2025 Billboard Women In Music event, held at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles.
The halter neck column gown boasted silver embellishments on the bodice.
Jennie, who goes by her first name, showed off a look from Murad’s Fall/ Winter 2025 ready-to-wear collection at the same event.
The form-fitting red dress featured a double slit with studs across the slits and sweetheart neckline. The look was completed with a pair of heels by Jordanian Romanian designer Amina Muaddi.
She took to the stage in the outfit to accept the Global Force Award, which is given to "singers, songwriters, instrumentalists and producers making groundbreaking contributions to the music industry" selected by Billboard publication around the world, according to Billboard.
“I’m inspired by all the women in this room — and around the globe who continue to break barriers and make their mark on the world stage,” Jennie said during her acceptance speech. “This award is dedicated to every woman who dares to dream and create and shape the world with her vision.”
This year’s honorees also included Doechii as Woman of the Year; Erykah Badu, who received the Icon Award; Aespa as Group of the Year; and Ángela Aguilar, who won the Breakthrough Award, among others. Presenters included Becky G, Lauren Jauregui, Kali Uchis and Julia Michaels.
Performers included Ángela Aguilar, Aespa, Gracie Abrams, Megan Moroney, Muni Long, Tyla and Erykah Badu.
For her part, US Mexican singer Aguilar dedicated her moment on stage to immigrants. “I want to take this moment to raise my voice for the women whose voices are not always given a stage, for the women who leave behind everything they know crossing borders,” she said.
Amira Al-Zuhair, Gigi Hadid star in accessories campaign
DUBAI: French Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair starred in a campaign for US fashion label Tory Burch, while US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Gigi Hadid fronted the 2025 leather goods campaign for Italian high-fashion brand Miu Miu, blending fashion and fine art.
For Tory Burch, Al-Zuhair wore a silk set adorned with the brand’s logo, showcasing handbags, perfumes, accessories, shoes and watches from the brand’s latest release.
The Miu Miu campaign, captured by renowned photographer Steven Meisel, features photographs that are digitally hand-painted to achieve a tactile, velvety quality, evoking the essence of classic 20th-century portraiture.
The campaign highlights Miu Miu’s signature matelasse leather, showcased in two bags — the Wander and the Arcadie, available in rich chocolate and mustard hues, as well as vibrant pistachio and fuchsia versions.
On Instagram, Miu Miu shared images from the campaign featuring Hadid with soft, sculpted waves styled to evoke vintage aesthetics. In one of the images, she was dressed in a dark navy jacket layered over a light, checked shirt and a collared blouse. The look was completed with the Wander bag in a mustard hue.
Another photo shows Hadid seated on a vintage green and brown chair, wearing a blue and green gingham dress. She was holding the Arcadie bag in chocolate brown, which also features the matelasse texture.
A third image captured Hadid in a strapless lime green top paired with a soft brown skirt. She carried the brown Arcadie bag as a shoulder accessory.
Hadid has had a long-running relationship with Miu Miu.
Earlier this month, she walked the brand’s runway during Paris Fashion Week wearing a mix of classic tailoring and modern styling with a vintage edge.
She donned a charcoal, double-breasted coat-dress with a structured, oversized silhouette. The look was completed with a 1920s-inspired hat that ties under the chin.
The outfit was further styled with dangling gold earrings, knee-high scrunched socks in a muted olive tone and brown leather loafers.
Last year, Hadid also starred in the brand’s campaign featuring the Wander and Arcadie bags, reflecting a similar 1930s-inspired style. The campaign showcased the handbags in shades of brown, orange, and yellow, with Hadid modeling alongside them.
Also captured by Meisel, the photographs draw inspiration from the innovative style of late British photographer Yevonde Middleton, renowned for employing soft colors and incorporating drapery and foliage in her portraits.
Best and Worst: Layali Boker on beauty hacks, fashion trends, and great advice
DUBAI: The Saudi beauty influencer, who has 1.2 million followers on TikTok, on beauty hacks, fashion trends, and great advice.
Best TV show/film you’ve ever seen?
The “Harry Potter” films. They are timeless classics that never lose their magic. I love them. I watch them every winter. My year is not complete without watching “Harry Potter.”
Worst TV show/film you’ve ever seen?
Oh, my God. It’s a cinematic experience I would rather forget. It was “The Triangle.” I didn’t like it because it was a cycle of events that kept repeating the whole film. What’s worse is you don’t figure it out until the end.
Best makeup look for you?
This year, it’s the one I did for Saudi Founding Day! I had a pretty soft eye makeup look with glowing cheeks, and I wore a traditional Hejazi outfit.
Worst makeup look you’ve done?
All my looks are stunning.
Best makeup hack?
Honestly, doing my full base with a powder puff has been life-changing! I wash the powder puff after I use it. Over time, even my acne has reduced.
Worst makeup hack?
Putting loose or pressed powder on your lips before lip lining them. It’s just a feeling and texture that I really can’t tolerate.
Best accessory for a little black dress?
Gold. I am a gold person. Nothing screams effortless-but-put-together like a bit of shimmer and bling. I love it.
Worst accessory for a little black dress?
Well, fashion is quite personal. Let’s just agree on that first. But, to me, beaded necklaces and bracelets are… They just give me DIY summer-camp-craft energy and I can’t unsee it.
Best fashion trend of 2025?
I believe the low-rise jeans are back and I’m here for it! I also love the full denim look, because why be subtle when you can be denim?
Worst fashion trend of 2024?
I don’t like overly baggy silhouettes. I love a relaxed fit, but I also like looking like I have a body underneath all that fabric, you know? So yeah, overly baggy pieces like pants or tops. I’m not here for those.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Two pieces, actually. Both from my father. One is “This too shall pass.” I love this advice, although I don’t think it applies to embarrassing moments. They do not pass. They haunt you forever. I also like “It’s never too late.” That kind of motivates me.
Worst advice you’ve ever been given?
That losing weight is the ultimate goal. I would honestly prioritize my health, my happiness and dessert. Right now, everyone is obsessed with losing weight and taking Ozempic as if they were vitamins. I do not get those comments from people on social media — I actually get them from people around me. I usually respond by saying it’s none of their business.
Best book you’ve ever read?
“Khawf” by Osamah Al-Muslim. It is so intense and gripping. I recommend you read it with the lights on, though, because it’s quite scary. It shows you life from other perspectives, from the other life that we don’t know anything about. It talks about demons and spirits. It is scary, but I loved it.
Worst book you’ve ever read?
I only get to read a few books apart from my medical books, so I try to make it worth it. But even if I don’t like a book, I learn from it and it gives me something to rant about.
Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?
I usually do breathing exercises, take a warm shower, spend time with my family or my best friends. I also try to remind myself always that even Beyoncé had bad days, so it’s OK.
Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?
I would say sleeping too much. Why waste a perfectly good mood with a nap? That just doesn’t make sense to me.
Best holiday destination?
Bali was amazing. Every sunset was like a postcard. It was like we were living in a magazine. I’ve only been once, but I hope to go again soon. I spent my time forgetting about life, about phones, and just living the moments.
Worst holiday destination?
A trip is only good or bad depending on the company you have. I went to Turkey with my friends, and it was one of the worst experiences. I would never repeat it. I’d go to the country again, but I wouldn’t repeat that trip.
Best subject at school?
As I recall, it was physics. It made me feel so smart when I actually understood what was going on. It is a hard subject, but it is understandable.
Worst subject at school?
Math. I think numbers just never liked me back.
Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?
Praying Fajr on time and starting the day with a good breakfast.
Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day?
Oversleeping. You just become unproductive the whole day. You waste so much time when you wake up at midday. Half the day is already gone.
