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
Gigi Hadid honored by family, friends on her 30th birthday
DUBAI: The internet is abuzz with celebrities, designers, family and friends sending birthday wishes to US Dutch Palestinian model Gigi Hadid as she turns 30.
Gigi’s younger sister, Bella Hadid, shared a carousel of photos on Instagram to celebrate her birthday. “IT’S GIGI DAY EVERYONE SAY IT WITH ME. HAPPPYYY 30th BIRTHDAYYYY JELENAAAA,” she wrote.
The post featured a mix of baby and childhood photos, runway moments and family memories.
Yolanda Hadid, Gigi’s mother, took a moment to reflect on her daughter’s 30-year journey. “Thirty years went by in a flash, 10,950 days to be exact but there hasn’t been one day without you on my mind,” she wrote, sharing photos of Gigi from babyhood to recent moments.
She added: “As you know giving birth to your first born is life changing, it really marks the first day of the rest of your life as you transition from womanhood into the blessing of motherhood. Today is your special day and I want to say thank for choosing me to be your mommy and for all the love, light and reflection you have brought into my life.”
Italian designer Donatella Versace also shared a birthday message, posting a few images with Gigi and writing: “Happy Birthday to my Taurus twin, @gigihadid! I wish I was with you on this special day. I am sending you kisses and so much love - today and always. Love you!”
American fashion designer Thom Browne posted a picture of Gigi on the brand’s page, sending her well wishes as well.
Fan pages also shared short tribute videos to celebrate the supermodel’s special day.
Best and Worst: Saudi presenter Mona Ahmad gets candid on life advice, favorites and more
DUBAI: Saudi presenter Mona Ahmad gets candid about her favorite film, fashion hits and misses, and life advice.
Best film you’ve ever seen?
“Interstellar.” It’s one of those timeless films that you need to watch multiple times, and each time you discover something new. The directing is brilliant and so is the soundtrack. It goes beyond traditional cinema and makes you think deeply about space and time, even changing your perspective on life, and on the person you watched it with.
Worst film you’ve ever seen?
Hmm, it’s “The Shape of Water.” It was disappointing and weak in terms of story and dialogue. I didn’t understand the point, and it didn’t compel me to watch it again, despite the high ratings and awards. I just found it to be a very weird movie.
Best accessory for a little black dress?
Silver or diamond jewelry. It adds elegance and creates a stunning backdrop that lets the dress take center stage.
Worst accessory for a little black dress?
A red scarf — or a polka-dotted black-and-white one. It just doesn’t add any elegance whatsoever.
Best fashion trend of 2025?
I’m in love with the creamy vanilla-yellow color. I think it’s a beautiful, vibrant shade, and it’s lovely to have it in our wardrobes this year.
Worst fashion trend of 2025?
Super-miniskirts. I think they don’t suit most people, and there are better and more flattering cuts out there.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
The advice I always follow came from my therapist: “What you send out comes back to you.” Whatever you give to others, good or bad, eventually returns to you.
Worst advice you’ve ever been given?
Any advice I didn’t ask for I consider bad and unwelcome advice.
Best book you’ve ever read?
“You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay. It’s not something you read once and forget, it’s a book that truly transforms the way you think about yourself and the world around you. What’s beautiful about it is how it encourages you to reflect on painful memories and your childhood so you can make peace with them and live your present and future with more health and contentment. And the real-life examples make it even more powerful.
Worst book you’ve ever read?
There are many I didn’t like, but the worst… I don’t want to name it for personal reasons, but it’s one of the highest-rated books in the world and it’s been translated into every language. I simply didn’t like it.
Best thing to do when you’re feeling low?
Exercise! During my saddest moments or when I feel drained and unmotivated, any form of exercise makes me feel better. It lifts my mood for the whole day.
Worst thing to do when you’re feeling good?
Going back to bad memories and toxic people, talking about them… ruminating on the past with all its pain and difficulties without appreciating the present.
Best holiday destination?
The Maldives. It’s just the most beautiful place I always choose a cozy, private and peaceful getaway, far from all the noise and life’s demands.
Worst holiday destination?
I think any place that’s extremely hot would probably ruin a vacation, but I can’t say I’ve had that experience myself.
Best subject at school?
I was a genius in biology. I loved it so much and enjoyed it to the point where I didn’t even need to study before exams. I always got a perfect score.
Worst subject at school?
Definitely math. I hate numbers and have a much better relationship with letters.
Best thing to do to ensure you have a productive day?
Go to sleep early the night before so I can wake up early, go to the gym, have breakfast, and get my tasks done in the morning. That way, I have the rest of the day to handle my appointments and work with ease.
Worst thing to do when you’re trying to have a productive day?
Wake up late with no plan for the day. And waste time on social media.
L’Atelier Nawbar gains fans in Hollywood
- British star Cynthia Erivo wears label’s jewelry at Coachella
- Dima and Tania Nawbar head family business set up in 1881
DUBAI: Dima and Tania Nawbar, the sisters behind Lebanese jewelry label L’Atelier Nawbar, have added a new Hollywood name to their list of fans: Cynthia Erivo.
The British singer and actress was spotted this week wearing The Buoy Hoops from L’Atelier Nawbar’s latest Lot No. 91 collection during her Coachella debut.
Crafted from 18-karat yellow gold, the statement earrings were paired with a cream lace gown featuring wide bell sleeves layered over a black satin base. The look combined varied textures and was styled with over-the-knee black boots.
The sisters took to Instagram to share a picture of the star wearing the earrings and wrote: “In love!!!”
L’Atelier Nawbar was established in 2011. Dima and Tania are fourth generation jewelers. They are the first women to take over the family’s Beirut-based business which was founded by their great-great-grandfather in a gold souk in 1881.
Since establishing their own modern take on the brand, the sisters have gone on to see their designs worn by international celebrities including Queen Rania of Jordan and Joey King.
And they have their collection of rings, pendants, necklaces and bracelets stocked at major retailers including Harrods, Bloomingdales and Moda Operandi.
The designers previously told Arab News that they wanted trendy, multipurpose jewelry for every day and night. Their designs can be worn in various ways, with pendants serving also as rings, which reduces investment costs.
The sisters also decided to move away from the traditional business model and offer something new. “We didn’t want to traditionally follow the family business as it was,” Dima said.
So the sisters decided to embrace individuality by remodeling pieces and creating new bespoke jewelry for clients.
Clients are able to bring their own jewelry into the atelier, and the designers will upcycle and redesign the pieces into something fresh and modern.
Simone Biles wins Laureus award in Saudi design
- Saudi Arabia’s Eman Al-Ajlan designed Biles’ dress
- US gymnast won 3 gold, 1 silver at Paris Olympics
DUBAI: US gymnast Simone Biles took home the Sportswoman of the Year award at the 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards this week, wearing a black gown by Saudi Arabia designer Eman Al-Ajlan.
The athlete opted for a strapless dress with a structured corset bodice featuring nude and black embroidered detailing. It included a voluminous peplum-style layer at the waist and a floor-length, sheer black skirt.
She paired the look with simple diamond accessories and a black Tyler Ellis bag.
The American gymnast won three gold and a silver at the Paris Olympics.
Swedish pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis was named Sportsman of the Year. He had won a second Olympic gold medal and twice raised his own world record.
Al-Ajlan shared a photo on Instagram of Biles wearing her design, writing: “Congratulations @simonebiles on winning the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award.”
This is not the first time Al-Ajlan’s designs have appeared on major red carpets.
Earlier this year, at the 96th Academy Awards, US social media personality Kristy Sarah wore a gown by Al-Ajlan.
The dress was a strapless, form-fitting gown in a soft nude tone. It featured a structured, ruched bodice that extended into a mermaid-style silhouette.
The skirt and train were embellished with three-dimensional floral appliques in shades of lavender and lilac.
In 2023, she dressed US actress, dancer, and social media star Tessa Brooks in an all-black ensemble for the MusiCares Persons of the Year event in Los Angeles.
The following year, British model and TV presenter Leomie Anderson wore a structured look by Al-Ajlan at the 2024 amfAR Gala in Cannes, featuring a mini dress layered with a net-like skirt.
Al-Ajlan, who launched her label in 2007, is based in Riyadh and specializes in couture, bridal and pret-a-porter designs.
She has dressed several regional celebrities for international events, including Saudi Arabia actresses Mila Alzahrani and Dae Al-Hilali at the 2019 Venice Film Festival.
In 2024, Riyadh-based TV host Ajwa Aljoudi wore a mustard gown by the designer to the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards in Hollywood.
Quirky abaya brands reveal the changing face of Saudi fashion
- Designers repurpose traditional looks to highlight individuality
- Saudi girls, women express themselves, while retaining modesty, tradition
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s streets are increasingly seeing women dressed in vibrant and daring colors, patterns and fabrics as abaya designers make more creative choices.
Once considered a garment to hide behind, abayas have become a form of artistic beauty that Saudi girls and women use to express themselves, while retaining modesty and tradition.
Today there is an influx of brands specializing in quirkier designs whose aim is to make women feel both comfortable and unique in their clothing choices.
Reem Al-Bayyat, founder of Mad Since 1982 (Instagram: madsince1982), told Arab News that “every piece tells a story; no two look the same.”
Mad Since 1982 weaves together different pieces of fabric printed with Al-Bayyat’s illustrations. As a collage artist, she never combines the same fabrics in the same way twice.
“It is a story, but also a risk and an adventure, whether things will work out or not … all my friends ask me how I dare to put the fabrics together in this way,” she said.
With a passion for ready-to-wear, Al-Bayyat’s goal is to make wearable, everyday pieces more beautiful and elegant.
“I want it to be close to the hearts of the people wearing it, I want them to feel special.
“That is how I was inspired to created Hadaweh.”
Hadaweh, Mad Since 1982’s recent modest wear creation, is an original clothing concept that can be worn in multiple ways for different occasions.
Al-Bayyat has been working for years with handmade block printing companies in India that use natural colors and fabrics, and occasionally imports fabrics with patterns she creates herself.
“My next step is having my own printing lab in my atelier,” she said.
Al-Bayyat, a former professional photographer who focused on fashion, draws inspiration from both local and international cultures.
“I have a lot of freedom when I’m working without any fear,” she said.
Another Saudi abaya brand exhibiting similar principles of individuality is Lamya’s Abayas (Instagram: lamya.abayas), founded by Lamya Al-Sarra.
Al-Sarra’s abayas are colorful and full of life, designed to reflect the personality and confidence of the women wearing them.
“I would describe Lamya’s Abayas as timeless, elegant, and effortlessly stylish. Each piece is designed to make a statement, while still feeling versatile and wearable,” she said.
“I love playing with bold colors, interesting cuts, and unexpected details that set each design apart.”
As a child, Al-Sarra spent her time sketching dresses and different looks in a notebook, and although that dream did not follow her through university, she found herself returning to her roots when the idea of starting her own abaya brand came to fruition.
Unimpressed with the designs available in stores, Al-Sarra decided to create her own.
“I kept designing pieces that felt true to me, and soon enough, people started stopping me to ask where my abayas were from. I’d tell them, ‘It’s mine. I designed it.’”
The hobby that she practiced for friends and family quickly became a full-fledged business.
Al-Sarra favors self-expression when choosing colors and designs, especially through vibrant summer tones.
The garments are meant to spark joy and represent individuality, helping people feel confident in their clothing.
“I believe your surroundings shouldn’t limit how you express yourself. Whether you’re wearing something bold, trendy, or completely unique, it should always reflect you,” she said.
Al-Sarra uses a variety of different fabrics for different looks and occasions — linen, for example, for light and breathable wear in summer, richer textures like velvet or tweed in winter, and taffeta and katan for more formal or structured looks.
Celebrating both family and sustainability, Moja Majka (Instagram: mojamajka) is a slow fashion abaya brand founded by a mother and daughter that is built on values of authenticity, as well as cultural and natural connection.
Sarah Basaad and her mother Sureyya Barli launched Moja Majka in 2012 to answer their need for more colorful garments that use organic and airy fabrics.
“It is an extension of our characters,” Basaad said.
Going for timeless rather than trendy, Moja Majka takes inspiration from both Turkish and Saudi cultures, since Barli is of Turkish descent.
The brand’s textiles are completely organic linens, cottons, and silks, some woven in Turkiye.
“We support local artisans and artisanal work,” Basaad said.
The brand is focused on bringing back long-forgotten artisanal work. “We collect antique handcrafted pieces and fabrics that are no longer able to be reproduced in our time, she said.
“Our kaftans are not a victim of trends, but a classic to pass onto your loved ones.”
