Thrift stores in Saudi Arabia: A rising trend with surprising costs

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While thrift stores globally offer a budget-friendly alternative to fast fashion, in Saudi Arabia, this trend comes with a twist: Items, though pre-loved, can be surprisingly expensive. (@darah.thrift)
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Updated 02 November 2024
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Thrift stores in Saudi Arabia: A rising trend with surprising costs

RIYADH: Thrift shopping, long associated with affordable and unique finds, has taken Saudi Arabia by storm.

But what is catching the attention of fashion-conscious Saudis is not just the idea of sustainable fashion, but also the rising price tags attached to these second-hand gems.

While thrift stores globally offer a budget-friendly alternative to fast fashion, in Saudi Arabia, this trend comes with a twist: Items, though pre-loved, can be surprisingly expensive.

As sustainable fashion becomes more mainstream, the appeal of thrift shopping has transcended its traditional boundaries. Saudis now seek out vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind fashion pieces, even if it means paying a premium.

One of the key players in this evolving market is Darah, a textile recycling startup founded by Rawan Al-Deraibi.

Al-Deraibi explained how Darah differentiates itself from traditional recycling methods: “At Darah, we’re redefining textile recycling by transforming discarded clothes into new, exciting creations.

“Unlike traditional methods that focus solely on material recovery, we give textiles a second life as ‘flipped’ fashion items, unique home decor pieces and much more. Our approach emphasizes creativity and sustainability, turning waste into functional and stylish products that tell a story.”




While thrift stores globally offer a budget-friendly alternative to fast fashion, in Saudi Arabia, this trend comes with a twist: Items, though pre-loved, can be surprisingly expensive. (Source: @thriftanthrivee)

Winning a prestigious innovation award has propelled Darah to the forefront of sustainable fashion in Saudi Arabia, but for Al-Deraibi it is clear that this is only the beginning: “Our vision is to expand our presence in the fashion scene by deepening our collaborations with like-minded designers, sustainable brands and forward-thinking businesses. We’re excited to explore partnerships that push boundaries — whether through joint collections, upcycling workshops, or innovative fashion events that bring attention to the importance of circular fashion.”

For more information, follow Darah on Instagram: @darah.thrift.

On the other side of the spectrum is Thrift and Thrive, a small thrift store started by two friends, Norah and her partner, Alanoud Khaled, who share a passion for sustainable shopping. What makes their store unique is the personal touch they add to each item they sell.

“We’re two girls. We have different personalities and tastes, so, because of that, we had a variety of items — some vintage and some new,” said Norah.

Thrift and Thrive carefully curates its collection to maintain a balance between vintage treasures and modern trends, all while keeping sustainability at the heart of its business. “We listen to what our customers want and try to source what they want.”

Despite the growing trend of thrift shopping in Saudi Arabia, Norah was initially uncertain about how it would be received. “We decided to open a thrift shop knowing there’s almost no thrift site in Saudi: That’s what made us so excited to open one. We saw how people in Saudi felt open and comfortable about the thrifting concept.”

Thrift and Thrive’s popularity has continued to grow, fueled by the increasing interest in sustainable fashion and Norah’s commitment to expanding its impact. “With the rise of sustainability, we focus to grow Thrift and Thrive by inspiring people to embrace eco-friendly fashion. We want to reach more people who love this style and help the community thrive.”

Follow Thrift and Thrive on Instagram: @thriftanthrivee.

The public’s response to thrift shopping in Saudi Arabia reflects this growing trend, but not all experiences have been positive. While some shoppers are thrilled by the unique items they find, others have expressed concerns about the pricing.

Mohanned Saqar found that the prices he encountered in Saudi Arabia were much higher compared to his experiences abroad: “Thrifting is supposed to be cheap, but the prices here are very high, especially considering these are used items. Outside of Saudi Arabia, I’ve found great thrifted pieces at much lower prices. It just doesn’t make sense to pay so much for something that’s pre-owned.”

Nadia Yassin, another passionate thrift shopper, sees thrift shopping as both a creative and economic choice: “The idea that you find a unique piece with a story shared by the person who owned it before is fascinating. Then, matching it with a whole outfit adds to the experience.

“On the other hand, it helps reduce consumption by re-wearing items that are already made. The creative part in restyling the piece is what I find most exciting. Economically, I think it’s a more suitable option than buying new.

“Half of my wardrobe is thrifted, and when people ask about my outfit, I tell them I bought it for a certain amount and that it’s thrifted. A few people around me have been influenced and joined me, making it one of the most enjoyable experiences.”

For Sara Al-Ansari, thrifting is a chance to save money while finding one-of-a-kind items.

“Personally, thrift stores do really offer a unique experience,” she said. “Each piece of clothing carries a story, a history of the person who owned it before.

“When I thrift, I’m not just getting a low price, I’m connecting with those past lives and experiences. It’s like a tangible link to different times and places, allowing me to appreciate the individuality of each item. Plus, there’s something special about giving these clothes a new life, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.”

For those looking for more budget-friendly thrift options, Haraj remains a popular choice. Haraj markets sell everything you could ever think of, mostly used items ranging from furniture to clothing and electronics, often at prices significantly lower than in formal stores. Haraj Bin Qasim in Riyadh operates on a similar model, offering used goods at affordable prices, making it a haven for bargain hunters.

As more Saudis begin to appreciate the environmental and personal value of thrift shopping, the trend is expected to continue growing.

For those eager to explore this growing trend, @saudi.thrift is hosting an event in November 2024, where thrifting enthusiasts can gather and share in this sustainable fashion movement.

For now, thrift stores like Darah and Thrift and Thrive are not only thriving, but also helping to shape a new retail landscape — one where sustainability meets style, and where every item has a story waiting to be rediscovered.


How Saudi Arabia’s OceanQuest is making waves in global marine conservation

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How Saudi Arabia’s OceanQuest is making waves in global marine conservation

  • OceanQuest is a Saudi non-profit focused on deep-sea exploration and global marine science collaborations
  • On its Around Africa Expedition, the foundation emphasized human-centered approaches to conservation

RIYADH: As the curtains closed on this year’s UN Ocean Conference in the French city of Nice, the Saudi-led foundation OceanQuest emerged as one of the standout contributors to marine sustainability — not only in policy circles but also in the depths of the world’s oceans.

Fresh from its pioneering Around Africa Expedition, OceanQuest, in partnership with OceanX, brought remarkable scientific discoveries and a powerful message to UNOC — that true marine conservation must combine exploration, collaboration, and education.

“This expedition went around Africa and engaged on-ship around 16 African scientists and more than 200 port stops,” Martin Visbeck, CEO of OceanQuest, told Arab News.

From surveying megafauna by helicopter to exploring seamounts more than 1,000 meters beneath the surface aboard the OceanXplorer, the team used cutting-edge technology and human ingenuity to illuminate previously uncharted ecosystems.

OceanQuest is a Saudi non-profit incubated at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. It is rapidly becoming a key player in the global marine science arena, dedicated to deep-sea exploration, design innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

DID YOU KNOW?

• OceanQuest is a Saudi non-profit focused on deep-sea exploration and global collaborations in marine science.

• The foundation emphasizes human-centered approaches to conservation by training African scientists and educators.

• Discoveries on its Around Africa Expedition include new seamounts vital for biodiversity and sustainable fisheries.

One of its flagship missions — the Around Africa Expedition — offered not only new data but a model of inclusive, equitable marine science.

Using robotic vehicles, manned submersibles, and remote sensing tools, the team made multiple dives during the mission.

In total, they spent 53 hours underwater, collected nearly 90 samples, and mapped thousands of square kilometers of the seabed, including around the Nola Seamounts and Santo Antao Island. Flights over 922 nautical miles provided additional data on large marine animals.

Among the major outcomes was the identification of new underwater seamounts, crucial for fisheries and marine biodiversity.

“We will be the ones who go to seamount systems and explore what is there, look at the species, look at the functions and understanding, then share that with the community, to provide reasons why certain seamounts should be protected,” said Visbeck.

This insight is critical as countries consider the ratification and implementation of the High Seas Treaty — formally the Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement — a major focus at UNOC.

OceanX and OceanQuest have successfully completed their ground-breaking ‘Around Africa Expedition,’ a collaborative journey that explored Africa’s vast and diverse marine environments. (Supplied)

“Biodiversity protection beyond national jurisdiction means the protected areas in the high seas, outside of a country’s own legal role,” said Visbeck.

OceanQuest’s approach is not just technical — it is human-centered.

Working alongside top African entities such as the National Research Foundation, the University of Cape Town, and the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the expedition helped build capacity for African marine science.

Twenty-four early-career professionals from across the continent were trained in seafloor mapping, environmental DNA analysis, and deep-sea sampling.

“This wasn’t just about what we discovered in the ocean. It was also about who we empowered on the ground,” said Visbeck. “By investing in people — students, young professionals and educators — we’re building a foundation for Africa’s long-term leadership in ocean science.”

He sees this collaborative model as a roadmap for future conservation.

“These collaborations are the future of ocean science in Africa,” he said. “We’ve seen what’s possible when scientists, governments and regional institutions align behind a common purpose, advancing knowledge, access and opportunity.”

This year’s UNOC provided the perfect platform for OceanQuest to share these achievements and ambitions.

“I decided that it would be amazing to celebrate and launch OceanQuest and share with the ocean world our arrival on the scene at UNOC,” said Visbeck.

Over 24 participants from several countries, like Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, and South Africa, were able to have a first-hand experience through the Early Career Ocean Professionals program. (Supplied)

“We are using UNOC to celebrate with our partners, friends and ocean-policy people on the scene and share with them our mission and vision.”

In a time of mounting ocean crises — from plastic pollution to overfishing and climate change — Visbeck says awareness is a powerful tool.

“What we are trying to do is fight ignorance by providing data and information. Once the information is more clear, it can be a basis for regulatory agencies.”

From the Red Sea to the high seas, OceanQuest is helping reframe the future of ocean conservation — not just by mapping the seafloor, but by drawing a new map for global cooperation.
 

 


King Salman orders support for stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims

Updated 13 June 2025
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King Salman orders support for stranded Iranian Hajj pilgrims

  • Hajj ministry tasked with providing support to Iranians stuck in the Kingdom

RIYADH: King Salman has directed Saudi authorities to ensure that Iranian pilgrims in the Kingdom are provided all the necessary support until it’s safe for them to return home.

On Friday, Israel launched an early morning attack on Iranian nuclear sites and assassinated nuclear scientists and military chiefs in a major escalation in tensions, prompting Tehran to close its airspace.

The plan to help the stranded pilgrims was put forward to the king by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has been task with the responsibility of ensuring the Iranian pilgrims get the necessary support.

The Hajj, a key pillar of Islam, concluded last week with over 1.6m pilgrims taking part, with authorities calling it a success. 

Tens of thousands of Iranians attend the Hajj each year.

Iran on Friday retaliated to the attack by targeting Tel Aviv, prompting fears of a prolonged and more dangerous exchanges between the two countries. 


Saudi crown prince, President Trump discuss regional tensions in phone call

Updated 13 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince, President Trump discuss regional tensions in phone call

  • Two leaders stressed the importance of restraint and de-escalation, and underlined the need to resolve disputes through diplomatic means

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call with US President Donald Trump to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, including the ongoing Israeli military operations against Iran, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call on Friday, the two leaders stressed the importance of restraint and de-escalation, and underlined the need to resolve disputes through diplomatic means, SPA added.

They also affirmed the importance of continued joint efforts to promote security, peace, and stability across the region.


Makkah’s Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition unveils 1,400 years of sacred architecture

Updated 56 min 3 sec ago
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Makkah’s Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition unveils 1,400 years of sacred architecture

  • Immersive experience showcases history, transformation of Islam’s most sacred sites
  • Exhibition fuses traditional and contemporary Islamic design, with rare artifacts, architectural models on display

MAKKAH: Visitors to Makkah are being offered an unprecedented journey through Islamic architectural history, showcasing the remarkable evolution of the Grand Mosque and Prophet’s Mosque across 14 centuries of development.

The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, housed in a renovated 1,200 sq. meter facility in the Um Al-Joud neighborhood, is presenting rare artifacts and architectural models that document the transformation of Islam’s most sacred sites.

The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, housed in a renovated 1,200-square-meter facility in the Um Al-Joud neighborhood, is presenting rare artifacts. (SPA)

The exhibition building itself exemplifies the fusion of traditional and contemporary Islamic design, with architectural elements deliberately echoing the Grand Mosque’s distinctive style.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, this design philosophy creates an immersive environment in which visitors experience visual and cultural connections to the sacred spaces.

FASTFACT

The exhibition building exemplifies the fusion of traditional and contemporary Islamic design, with architectural elements deliberately echoing the Grand Mosque’s distinctive style.

Following comprehensive upgrades, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has launched the exhibition’s trial operations phase. The modernization included complete technical infrastructure overhauls, contemporary presentation methods for historical artifacts, and sophisticated lighting systems that illuminate intricate details while enhancing the visitor experience.

The Two Holy Mosques Architecture Exhibition, housed in a renovated 1,200-square-meter facility in the Um Al-Joud neighborhood, is presenting rare artifacts. (SPA)

The exhibition’s renewed mission extends beyond simple display, aiming to transmit the Two Holy Mosques’ heritage to both Islamic communities and global audiences, the SPA said.

Through interactive experiences and educational programming, the facility seeks to broaden understanding of Islamic architectural principles, while connecting contemporary visitors with their civilizational roots.

Those interested in visiting can schedule appointments through the official booking portal at https://visits.alharamain.gov.sa/

 


Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques launches Umrah season programs

Muslims pray around the Kaaba, Islam's holiest shrine, at the Grand Mosque complex in Makkah early on June 6, 2025. (AFP)
Updated 13 June 2025
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Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques launches Umrah season programs

  • The presidency will enhance the devotional atmosphere via religious and scholarly initiatives and programs throughout the season

MAKKAH: The Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques is preparing to enhance its program for the upcoming Umrah season through an initiative aimed at welcoming pilgrims, worshippers and visitors, and raising awareness about rituals.

The presidency explained that the centers for responding to religious inquiries have been enhanced through both on-site locations and telephone services. These are distributed across 10 sites inside and outside the Grand Mosque in Makkah, in addition to four dedicated offices for phone-based inquiries.

A total of 62 participating scholars, including judges and university faculty members, are available around the clock to respond to inquiries.

The presidency will enhance the devotional atmosphere via religious and scholarly initiatives and programs throughout the season. The plan also seeks to recruit volunteers to serve in the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.