JEDDAH: A new academic year is set to begin in Saudi Arabia.
Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies in preparation for the start of classes.
For many students the promise of new beginnings brings the excitement of purchasing stationery goods designed after their favorite characters, or that match their personal style — and the market is loaded with options to suit every aesthetic, from glittering pinks to classy shades of black.
Back-to-school shoppers like Neama Al-Sabea have expressed satisfaction with the diverse options and competitive prices offered by stationery and office supply stores during the busy season.
A mother of five, Al-Sabea told Arab News: “We’re thankful for a smooth return to school — a return to routine, learning, studying, and getting back into the swing of things. There are plenty of stores that offer beautiful school supplies at various price points.
“Each store has its own pricing, but we lean towards Al-Hadaya Center for its reasonable prices and wide range of quality products. Of course, Jarir Bookstore is an excellent option too, though a bit on the pricey side.”
Al-Sabea said that this year older children were leaning toward simple, sporty backpacks from brands like Adidas and Nike, favoring darker colors, while her daughter in the third grade is opting for bright colors, butterflies, and “all things cute.”
Most parents are in agreement that back-to-school shopping requires planning and time as it is usually not something that can be tackled in a day.
Al-Sabea has a routine, and said: “Getting everything ready for school takes more than just a day because there’s quite a bit to buy.
“We usually break the plan down to stationery shops for pens, notebooks, backpacks. One day for uniform shops, sportswear, shoes, socks, and hair accessories, and then Abaya for the older girls, which might take one day to sort out.”
At the forefront of the back-to-school rush is Al-Hadaya Center, where Sufyan Raya, a senior digital marketing specialist, told Arab News that the store’s promotional campaign, launched a month ago, has seen a surge in demand.
Among the center’s crown jewels this year is an exclusive range of products from globally recognized brands such as Adidas, Nike, Puma, Disney, and Marvel. Centrepoint and Jarir Bookstore are the two other stores that are offering the products in the western region of the Kingdom.
“Products adorned with characters will be exclusively available with us instead of traditional stationery to protect brand rights,” Raya told Arab News.
The store has also sourced products from international suppliers and from its own factories in Turkiye, China, and Malaysia.
“We make sure to offer very competitive prices in the store, which is why the demand this year has been, and continues to be, much higher than in previous years,” Raya added. “Our preparations for selecting and receiving the goods began six months ago.”
Mariam Shafea, a stationery shop owner in Makkah, recently launched her own business to capitalize on the heightened demand for school supplies.
“We’ve seen a significant surge in sales, particularly in stationery items,” she said.
When asked about online shopping, Al-Sabea noted a clear preference for bricks-and-mortar shops as she believes that the excitement of preparing for school is palpable, with children and parents alike getting ready for a fresh academic year.
She said: “Shopping in stores allows me to see and feel the items, check their size, and assess their quality firsthand — something that’s just not possible when shopping online.
“It’s so much more than just buying things; it’s an experience with your children. It’s fun to take the whole family along and engage together in the shopping process, making it a shared event rather than a solitary task.”
However, Al-Sabea does recognize the convenience of online shopping for certain items, especially when it comes to essentials like skincare products.
She added: “It’s (also) convenient for stocking up on healthy snacks for my kids. These are items where I trust the quality and don’t need to see them in person.”
The back-to-school season in Saudi Arabia brings a wave of enthusiasm and preparation as students, parents, retailers, and educators gear up for the new academic year.
For Dania Al-Mousa, a Saudi teacher in Jeddah, the return to school after the summer break is a time of anticipation and excitement.
“Seeing the eager faces of students ready to learn is truly invigorating,” Al-Mousa said.
“The break allowed us to recharge, but it’s the return to the classroom where we truly feel the impact we can make on our students’ lives.
“Each new year brings fresh challenges and opportunities, and I’m excited to guide my students through another chapter of their educational journey.”
