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

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)
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. (Source: @darah.thrift)
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. (Source: @thriftanthrivee)
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Updated 02 November 2024
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Thrift stores in Saudi Arabia: A rising trend with surprising costs

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.


Right on time: Riyadh Metro engineers new era of urban mobility

Riyadh metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. (SPA/Supplied)
Riyadh metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. (SPA/Supplied)
Updated 03 December 2024
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Right on time: Riyadh Metro engineers new era of urban mobility

Riyadh metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. (SPA/Supplied)
  • The capital city’s new public transport system covers 176 kms of track

RIYADH: In a city where rapid development has outpaced infrastructure, the Riyadh Metro is setting a new benchmark for urban transport in the Kingdom. The $23 billion mega-project, one of the largest metro systems built in a single phase, has six lines, 176 kilometers of track and 85 stations.

Engineering against the odds

Riyadh’s complex geological and urban landscapes posed unique challenges during construction. Beneath the city’s surface is dense limestone and breccia, which required the use of special tunnel boring machines, or TBMs, designed to navigate these demanding conditions.

The metro’s stations are a balance between form and function. (SPA)

“The geological conditions demanded not only technical sophistication but also real-time adaptability to ensure both speed and accuracy,” Roger Cruickshank, senior director at AtkinsRealis, which led the design of Lines 4, 5, and 6, said in an interview with Arab News.

The metro’s 11 underground and 17 at-grade stations were strategically placed to enhance connectivity across the city. Additionally, the integration of underground, at-grade, and elevated tracks required careful consideration of Riyadh’s existing road networks.

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Riyadh Metro’s 11 underground and 17 at-grade stations were strategically placed to enhance connectivity across the city.

“Restructuring road networks and ensuring smooth transitions between modes of transit were integral to minimizing disruption,” Cruickshank said.

Automation at the core

A defining feature of the Riyadh Metro is its Level 4 automation, eliminating the need for onboard operators. Centralized control centers manage operations through advanced algorithms and real-time data, ensuring seamless functionality.

Supporting this system are geotechnical monitoring tools, including fiber optic sensors and automated data acquisition systems, which continuously assess infrastructure health.

The metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. (SPA)

“These technologies provide real-time insights, allowing us to predict maintenance needs and address them before they escalate,” Cruickshank said.

The trains themselves are equipped with advanced safety features, such as early warning and remote diagnostic systems, enhancing passenger safety and operational reliability.

Predictive analytics further optimize system efficiency, extending the lifespan of critical components while minimizing downtime.

Functionality meets design

The metro’s stations are a balance between form and function. While designed to optimize passenger flow and connectivity, they also reflect Riyadh’s cultural identity through architectural motifs inspired by local heritage.

Roger Cruickshank, AtkinsRealis senior director

“The design integrates contemporary materials with traditional influences, making the infrastructure both practical and a visual complement to the city,” Cruickshank said.

The metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. The focus on accessibility ensures that the system serves Riyadh’s growing population effectively.

Sustainability

The Riyadh Metro aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by prioritizing sustainability; by promoting public transport, it is projected to significantly cut carbon emissions.

The design integrates contempor- ary materials with traditional influences, making the infrastruc- ture both practical and a visual complement to the city.

Roger Cruickshank, AtkinsRealis senior director

The system also incorporates energy-efficient technologies, such as regenerative braking and automated lighting, to minimize its environmental footprint.

“Noise and vibration mitigation strategies were essential to ensure the system operated harmoniously within the urban environment,” Cruickshank added. These measures, combined with the integration of green building standards, highlight the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The lessons from the project are already informing future initiatives in Saudi Arabia and beyond. “This project demonstrates how collaboration, advanced technology, and strategic planning can produce infrastructure that is both technically brilliant and sustainable,” Cruickshank said.

The Riyadh Metro provides a case study for cities worldwide grappling with urbanization and mobility challenges. By combining engineering excellence, technological innovation, and cultural sensitivity, authorities have created a transit network that not only meets today’s needs but anticipates the demands of tomorrow as well.

 


Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase

Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase
Updated 03 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase

Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase
  • 8 other countries’ forces taking part in 2-week military exercise southeast of Riyadh

RIYADH: Prince Sultan Airbase is hosting Tuwaiq 4 military drills with the air forces from eight other countries. 

Alongside the Royal Saudi Air Force, combat pilots and military servicemen from Oman, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, the UK, the US, Greece, and the UAE participated on Monday in aerial drills at the base near Al-Kharj, southeast of Riyadh. 

Forces from Egypt and Bahrain will be joining as observers in the two-week military exercise.

Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Khanfour, a Saudi colonel pilot, said that Tuwaiq 4 drills looked to enhance cooperation, raise the level of readiness, and improve the combat efficiency of aircrews, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Drills will also focus on tactical landing, flying at high and low altitudes, operating in challenging scenarios, carrying out search and rescue operations, and enhancing ground technical support. 

Tuwaiq 4 also includes lectures about prominent air combat technologies and theories of planning and commanding an air operation.


Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century

Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century
Updated 02 December 2024
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Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century

Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century
  • The Persian onager, a smaller relative of the extinct Equus hemionus hemippus, plays a vital role in the reserve’s ambitious landscape and seascape restoration program

RIYADH: In a significant advancement for wildlife conservation, Saudi Arabia has reintroduced the onager to its native habitat after over a century of absence, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

This achievement was made possible through a collaboration between the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature from Jordan.

Earlier this year, seven Persian onagers were brought from Shaumari Wildlife Reserve in Jordan to the royal reserve.

The return of the onager aligns with the reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030. (SPA)

The animals have reportedly adapted well to their new environment, with the birth of the first foal marking a pivotal moment in the rewilding process. The reintroduction highlights the importance of restoring ecosystems and creating a sustainable environment for endangered species to thrive.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority CEO Andrew Zaloumis said in a statement: “The reintroduction of the onager, a species historically celebrated by Arabic poets, is a transformative step for their conservation and a major milestone in the Kingdom's biodiversity efforts.”

He emphasized that the Persian onager, classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is now free to roam Saudi Arabia once again.

The Persian onager, a smaller relative of the extinct Equus hemionus hemippus, plays a vital role in the reserve’s ambitious landscape and seascape restoration program.

The royal reserve is actively working to restore ecosystems, ensuring the species can flourish while maintaining biodiversity. The onager serves as an ecological asset and a cultural symbol deeply rooted in Arabian history and tradition.

This collaborative endeavor with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature underscores the importance of cross-border conservation efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats.

The president of the Jordanian organization’s board of directors, Batoul Ajlouni, expressed her delight at the reintroduction, emphasizing the importance of fostering real collaboration in conserving ecosystems and habitats through effective protected area management and capacity-building programs.

The return of the onager aligns with the reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030.

In addition to the onager, the reserve has reintroduced several other species, including Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, sand gazelle, mountain gazelle, and various bird species.

These efforts form part of the Kingdom’s broader mission to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable development.

As the onager thrives in its natural habitat, it stands as a symbol of hope and the importance of wildlife conservation in Saudi Arabia.

 


Historic Jeddah Program launches Culture Square as new landmark for arts and heritage

Historic Jeddah Program launches Culture Square as new landmark for arts and heritage
Updated 02 December 2024
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Historic Jeddah Program launches Culture Square as new landmark for arts and heritage

Historic Jeddah Program launches Culture Square as new landmark for arts and heritage
  • Culture Square, which will span 26,000 square meters, will feature two flagship facilities

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Culture’s Historic Jeddah Program has unveiled the Culture Square, an initiative designed to revitalize the historic Jeddah area and establish it as a global hub for arts and heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Situated on the banks of Lake Al-Arbaeen, the project blends the region’s rich history with contemporary innovation, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of enhancing cultural tourism and preserving heritage, SPA added.

Culture Square, which will span 26,000 square meters, will feature two flagship facilities: the Center for Performing Arts and the Digital Arts Museum “TeamLab Without Borders.”

The Center for Performing Arts will offer a range of cultural activities, including theatrical performances, international festivals, and film screenings.

It will also house the headquarters of the Red Sea Film Festival, a state-of-the-art theater with 868 seats, five cinema halls, dialogue spaces, and multi-purpose areas for cultural exchange.

Adjacent to this, the TeamLab Museum spans 10,000 square meters and will showcase 80 interconnected works that merge art, technology, and nature.

At the heart of the development lies the restored Prince of the Sea House, an historic octagonal structure once used as a lighthouse to guide ships, which reflects the area’s architectural heritage and highlights the cultural richness of Jeddah’s past.

Its preservation is part of broader efforts to maintain the character of the historic district while introducing modern elements, such as air purification systems, touchless elevators with UV sterilization, and water recycling technologies for irrigation.


Saudi Arabia, Lithuania sign air transport services agreement

Saudi Arabia, Lithuania sign air transport services agreement
Updated 02 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia, Lithuania sign air transport services agreement

Saudi Arabia, Lithuania sign air transport services agreement
  • Riyadh, Vilnius to work together to develop regulatory frameworks

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and Lithuania signed an agreement on Monday to cooperate in civil aviation and air transport services. 

Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, the president of the General Authority for Civil Aviation, and Ramunas Davidonis, the Lithuanian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, signed the agreement in Riyadh.

The two countries will work to develop regulatory frameworks for air transport traffic and expand the operational network of their national air carriers.

The cooperation will further enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a global logistics center for civil aviation and air transport services, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 aims to position the country as a hub for aviation connectivity to 250 international destinations, serving an expected 330 million passengers annually by 2030.