JEDDAH: A Saudi woman has turned her childhood passion for antiquities into a thriving business.

Maha bint Abdullah Al-Sharif, 25, said she has been collecting various items including books, currency, stamps, paintings, works of art, clothes, jewellery and luxury watches since she was a child, according to a report in an online publication.

“I collect old items and pieces on the history and heritage of the Kingdom and other cultures. I loved to display them on Instagram and to participate in heritage exhibitions inside the country,” she said.

She said that she began collecting the gifts her mother received on various social occasions, which included antique items. “Then I started to buy some items from antique shops and at auctions inside and outside the Kingdom,” she said.

Al-Sharif said that although her university education was on marketing and business, she was more interested in learning more about Islamic history and ancient civilizations, and hopes to become an expert.

Al-Sharif said that one of her most valuable pieces is an old copy of the Holy Qur’an, which was printed in India over 80 years ago, in addition to a Samurai sword, with a short side sword or wakizashi, that is between 130 and 150 years old.

She said that she also has a first edition copy of Albert Einstein’s book “Relativity: The Special and General Theory.”