Shops profit from sale of festive items

Businesses in Riyadh are making huge profits from the sales of customized items marking the 83rd Saudi National Day celebrations.
Public and private schools comprise the largest number of customers for decorative items, which are typically sold around this time of the year to celebrate National Day on Sept. 23.
The Ministry of Education has issued a directive for schools to hold National Day celebrations. Students will be participating in activities themed around Saudi history and culture to mark the occasion.
Schools are purchasing flags, banners, badges and sashes in bulk.
According to Sameira Al Qutbi, a life sciences teacher at the 44th Elementary government school, “Colorful celebrations during National Day educate children about the nation, culture and leaders of Saudi Arabia.”
This year, the National Day holiday has been extended over a period of 4 days beginning from Sept. 20 following a royal decree issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah. As a result, many students and government employees have booked for travel within the Kingdom. Fatimah Ammari and Noorah Ammari, two Saudi sisters who manage their own boutique, purchased dozens of national flags, green and white balloons, caps, green trumpets, sunglasses and shining streamers on Atayef Street which is famous for selling packaging supplies, gifts, stationery and decorative items.
“This year, we are excited to celebrate National Day with our family at our ancestral home in Dammam. We purchase such items for our younger cousins.”
With a large number of women joining the work force in various capacities throughout the Kingdom, there has been a remarkable increase in demand for decoration items such as flags, banners, balloons, trimmers and other such items in the workplace.
“Decorating our work place in green is just our way of expressing pride at being Saudi and our way of expressing that National Day holds a special place in our hearts and our lives,” said Jameela Al-Hadi, a Saudi nurse at the Outpatients’ Department of King Saud Medical City in Riyadh.
Stores are ready to meet demand for National Day items. They have stocked a surplus of supplies in anticipation of sales, which they expect to peak on the day.
According to Mohammed Al-Shabate of the Middle East Features Establishment along Swailem Street in Riyadh, “We eagerly await the National Day every year, not only because we make tremendous profits during the season, but also because each product we sell extends a message of pride, loyalty and love for our country.”