Saudi Gen Z antique collectors value stories over price tags

Saudi Gen Z antique collectors value stories over price tags
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A visual archive of time — Htoon Saeed’s coin and currency collection reflects her love for history and the stories embedded in every denomination. “Coins are the ideal way to commemorate a particular era,” she says. (Supplied)
Saudi Gen Z antique collectors value stories over price tags
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For Jana Al-Harbi, collecting K-pop photocards evolved into something much deeper than a hobby. “It brought me closer to a community and a passion that meant so much to me,” she says. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 April 2025
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Saudi Gen Z antique collectors value stories over price tags

Saudi Gen Z antique collectors value stories over price tags
  • Focus on pop culture, nature, childhood joys, they tell Arab News
  • Old cassette tapes, coins, watches and K-pop photos are collected

RIYADH: From cassette tapes and coins to K-pop photocards and fallen flowers, Generation Z collectors in Saudi Arabia spoke to Arab News about how they value sentiment and storytelling over price tags and prestige.

Unlike traditional antique collecting, which often centers on ornate heirlooms and museum-worthy artifacts, this younger generation is finding nostalgia and meaning in items that speak to their own lives: pop culture, nature, and childhood joys.

Many of these collections begin as simple interests and evolve into deeply personal archives of memory and identity.

For Hawazen Mohammed, collecting starts with focusing on items that others might overlook.

“I collect things from nature because I see them as treasures — I can’t imagine walking past them and leaving them behind,” she said.

Alongside pressed leaves, rose petals, and interesting twigs, Mohammed’s love of small details also finds expression in sticker collecting — something she has done since childhood.




Nature’s treasures, as Hawazen Mohammed calls them – collected during walks as part of her growing assortment of leaves, flowers, and found objects. (Supplied/Hawazen Mohammed)

“As for the stickers, I’ve loved collecting them since I was a kid. I grew up and became an otaku fan,” she said, referencing her passion for Japanese anime and its visual culture.

This desire to preserve moments is not limited to organic materials. Others, like Htoon Saeed, turn to objects rich in historical context.

“My hobby of collecting coins came from my interest in history and vintage things,” she explained. “I noticed that coins are the ideal way to commemorate a particular era in history.”

Her collection includes both paper money and coins from countries around the world, laid out and organized with care. Each piece, regardless of value, holds significance as a snapshot of its time and place.

Abdulaziz Al-Yamani found his archive not in a museum or market — but in a cassette box filled with the voice of Talal Maddah.

The singer “shaped the sound of Saudi music and the soundtrack of my childhood and hometown,” said Al-Yamani.

“These tapes may be rare now, but to me, they’re pieces of history — and keeping them safe feels like a way to honor that legacy.”




Abdulaziz Al-Yamani’s cassette box is more than nostalgia — it’s a tribute to Talal Maddah, “the soundtrack of my childhood and hometown,” he says. For him, preserving these tapes is preserving a piece of Saudi musical history. (Supplied/Abdulaziz Al-Yamani)

K-pop collector Jana Al-Harbi started her journey with a single card.

“What started as a simple joy in buying a rare photocard of an idol I love quickly grew into a three-year journey of collecting, connecting, and sharing moments with people who understand the same excitement,” she said.

“It’s slightly more than just a hobby — it’s something I truly loved, no matter the effort or cost. It brought me closer to a community and a passion that meant so much to me. And introduced me to a caring and loving side of myself I had never noticed before.”

In a world where digital interactions often feel fleeting, the tangible joy of collecting serves as a grounding ritual. Al-Harbi’s collection eventually led to an extraordinary moment.

“Collecting photocards also gives fans a big opportunity: a chance to win a one-to-one video call with their favorite idol. And that’s what happened to me — it gave me a sense of fulfillment and brought a beautiful closure to the journey.”

Collector Naif Al-Zahrani looks to vintage watches to mark not just the passing of time, but the stories tied to it.

“I collect money and coins, old and new from different countries, but what I love to collect mostly is vintage watches,” he said.

“For me, I believe watches represent the time you spend, and the memories you make. Watches (are) something that I collect because I see (them) as an art piece that you can have for life.




A timeline in timepieces — from a 1945 Heloisa to a 1980s West End Watch, Naif Al-Zahrani’s collection captures the evolution of design and sentiment. “Each one tells a story,” he says. “They’re not just watches — they’re memories worn on the wrist.” (Supplied/Naif Al-Zahrani)

“It represents the personality of the wearer with the different designs, colors, and shape. As a person who is interested in history, everything collectible has its own story and value.”

His most cherished timepieces include a 1945 Heloisa with a black leather strap he describes as “the oldest watch that I adore.”

In addition, he has a 1970s Philippe Moraly with a mother-of-pearl dial which is his “favorite design,” and a 1980s West End Watch he calls “my everyday watch.”

While these collections vary in shape, theme and age, what unites them is the deep emotional and personal connection each collector has with their items.


Saudi medical team begins to separate Egyptian conjoined twins

Saudi medical team begins to separate Egyptian conjoined twins
Updated 27 sec ago
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Saudi medical team begins to separate Egyptian conjoined twins

Saudi medical team begins to separate Egyptian conjoined twins
  • Most delicate case ever undertaken by his team, says surgeon Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah

DUBAI: A medical team of the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program began on Wednesday to separate Egyptian twins at King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital in Riyadh.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, advisor at the royal court and supervisor general of the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, who heads the team, said the twins are joined at the back, lower chest, abdomen and pelvis, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

One of the twins lacks essential organs, including a heart and head, and suffers from severe congenital defects, making survival impossible.

The complex operation is expected to last approximately 11 hours and will proceed in six stages.

It involves a multidisciplinary team of 26 consultants, specialists, and support staff in fields including anesthesia, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, and plastic surgery.

Al-Rabeeah described the case as one of the most delicate the team has undertaken, noting the shared spinal canal as a major surgical challenge.

Advanced imaging and surgical microscopes will be used to ensure precision, he said.

This marks the 63rd separation procedure under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program, which has reviewed 149 cases from 27 countries since its inception in 1990.


What’s the matcha with everyone? The beloved green tea powder hits mainstream in Saudi Arabia

What’s the matcha with everyone? The beloved green tea powder hits mainstream in Saudi Arabia
Updated 07 May 2025
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What’s the matcha with everyone? The beloved green tea powder hits mainstream in Saudi Arabia

What’s the matcha with everyone? The beloved green tea powder hits mainstream in Saudi Arabia
  • The Japanese tea’s rise in the Kingdom is a cultural shift, one green cup at a time

RIYADH: Once a niche ceremonial tea in Japan, matcha is now gaining mainstream popularity in Saudi Arabia, thanks to a growing interest in wellness trends, evolving taste preferences, and the rise of mindful living.

The data backs the trend. According to a recent report by IMARC Group, Saudi Arabia’s green tea market, which includes matcha, was valued at $140.14 million and is projected to grow to $229.24 million by 2033.

Imports of packaged green tea nearly doubled in value between 2020 and 2023, suggesting a growing appetite for premium, health-focused drinks.

That growing demand is reflected on cafe menus and social media feeds across the Kingdom. Matcha lattes, once limited to specialty coffee shops, are now a fixture at trendy cafes and home kitchens alike.

Whether it’s served iced in sleek glass cups or whisked at home with oat milk, matcha is more than a drink. It’s a mood, a personal statement, and for many, a healthier way to start the day.

In Dammam, 19-year-old Sara Anas remembers her first taste of matcha back in 2019. “My dad likes trying new things,” she said. “It didn’t taste that great at first, but when matcha became popular in 2021, I got excited to try it again from local cafes.”

Now, she drinks it almost daily. “It might sound strange, but I don’t feel like it’s heavy on my body like coffee. It makes me feel more relaxed and gives me energy in a better way.”

Anas is part of a growing demographic. In Riyadh, 26-year-old Amal Al-Mutairi starts every morning with matcha. “I prefer it iced with vanilla milk to make the flavor smoother and lighter,” she said.

For her, the appeal began with reading about its benefits. “It gives me calm energy without the jitters or crash I usually feel after drinking coffee. It also helps me focus for longer periods.”

That calm, focused energy — often described as a “cleaner” caffeine experience — has made matcha especially popular among students and professionals.

For Anas, it’s a campus essential. “It’s a must before classes! It gives me the energy to continue my day at uni,” she said.

But matcha is more than functional. It’s become a lifestyle, embraced for both its wellness claims and its visual charm.

Globally, matcha’s rise is part of a broader wellness boom. Japan’s matcha production rose 185 percent from 2010 to 2023, and demand is now so high that suppliers are warning of shortages. Japan’s top growers have begun limiting exports to meet domestic needs.

Matcha’s health appeal is not just hype. Rich in antioxidants — especially a compound called EGCG — studies suggest it may reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, and aid cognitive function.

A recent Saudi study also found that over half of the participants believed matcha could help with weight management and blood sugar balance.

Still, experts note that moderation matters. Excessive matcha consumption may interfere with iron absorption and isn’t recommended for everyone.

The ritual of preparing matcha, especially for those who make it themselves, has become part of a broader shift toward slow, intentional living — something many young Saudis are leaning into.

That ritual is deeply personal for 27-year-old Leen Al-Zamil, who turned matcha from curiosity into a daily indulgence. “I was curious at first and honestly, I hated it so much, but I think (that’s) because it was hot,” she said. “I liked it cold with vanilla syrup and oat milk. I definitely can’t drink it alone.”

Now, she can’t go a day without it. “Sometimes twice or more,” she said. “I like its color … I enjoy every step of making it, and it just tastes so good. It brightens my mood.”

Al-Zamil is not the only one who sees matcha as more than just a drink.

For 28-year-old Mona Abdullah, matcha represents healing. “As someone who suffers from IBS, coffee tends to affect me for a while, whereas matcha provides steady energy without causing any discomfort,” she said. “I’ve stopped drinking coffee for the past three months. I now believe that matcha is a better source of caffeine compared to black coffee.”

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive condition. Many people with IBS find that coffee, with its acidity and high caffeine content, can trigger discomfort, making gentler alternatives like matcha a preferred choice. 

Abdullah drinks it twice a day, iced, and without any added flavors. “Health,” she says, is what made her switch.

Still, matcha’s appeal goes beyond health — it’s also about aesthetics and culture. “I think it’s a mix of everything,” said Al-Mutairi. “The health benefits, the taste, and yes, the aesthetic.”

Anas echoed that idea, noting that people’s motivations vary. “For me, it’s for its health benefits and for the taste. You don’t usually get a healthy drink with a good taste,” she said. “But I think there are a lot of people who drink it just for the aesthetic. You see them adding hundreds of syrups just to say they drink matcha.”

That blend of wellness and image — serious health meets playful branding — has fueled matcha’s surge on social media. With its bright green hue, minimalist packaging, and frequent cameos in cafe selfies, matcha has become the drink of the “soft life” movement, one that prioritizes peace, balance, and pleasure.

“It’s definitely the vibe and the taste,” said Al-Zamil.

In a country where coffee culture runs deep, matcha is not replacing tradition; it’s offering something new: a blend of taste, lifestyle, and personal meaning, one bright green cup at a time.


GCC chief receives newly appointed Omani ambassador to Saudi Arabia

GCC chief receives newly appointed Omani ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Updated 06 May 2025
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GCC chief receives newly appointed Omani ambassador to Saudi Arabia

GCC chief receives newly appointed Omani ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi received Sayyid Najib bin Hilal Al-Busaidi, Oman’s newly appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh on Tuesday.

Albudaiwi congratulated Al-Busaidi on his appointment and wished him success in his duties.

The parties discussed various topics and explored ways to enhance bilateral efforts toward “greater integration, solidarity, and interconnectedness.”

They also looked at the latest developments in regional and international arenas.


Riyadh hospital advances breast tumor diagnosis

Riyadh hospital advances breast tumor diagnosis
Updated 06 May 2025
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Riyadh hospital advances breast tumor diagnosis

Riyadh hospital advances breast tumor diagnosis
  • The new CEM-guided approach allows immediate, accurate tissue sampling during the same session, eliminating the need for additional appointments

RIYADH: The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh has implemented an advanced interventional technique to diagnose breast tumors that conventional imaging cannot detect.

It enables physicians to obtain precise biopsy samples during the same visit, accelerating diagnosis and allowing earlier treatment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The shift addresses recent cases where certain breast abnormalities were only visible through contrast-enhanced imaging, leading the hospital to adopt contrast-enhanced mammography as a precise clinical tool.

Previously, the standard protocol required a separate MRI-guided biopsy after initial imaging, often resulting in redundant procedures, greater patient burden, higher costs and treatment delays.

In contrast, the new CEM-guided approach allows immediate, accurate tissue sampling during the same session, eliminating the need for additional appointments.


Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Iraqi PM

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman  and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 06 May 2025
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Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Iraqi PM

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman  and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. (File/SPA/AFP)

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Tuesday.

During the call, they reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen them in various fields, Saudi Press Agency reported.