Ramadan Sales Help Small Saudi Businesses Grow in Samhaniya
In the Samhaniya neighborhood of Diriyah, old mud-brick houses have been restored and repurposed into small shops and studios. Throughout Ramadan, the neighborhood experiences a familiar surge: longer nights, busier walkways, and increased spending on gifts and gatherings.
Artisana: Handcrafted Heritage
Artisana, a Saudi brand specializing in handmade crafts, reflects the Ramadan shift in customer interest and purchasing. Shelves display handcrafted ceramics including cups, bowls, and lidded containers.
The store features ready-to-carry items including prayer beads, scarves, and handbags with traditional embellishments from different Kingdom regions. Operator Ghalia Al-Mutairi said the brand transforms skilled craftsmanship into meaningful gifts celebrating Saudi heritage.
Ramadan Gift-Giving Surge
Ramadan brings a noticeable rise in demand for cultural gifts. Al-Mutairi stated: “Gift-giving culture increases in Ramadan, and Artisana’s heritage character makes it an ideal option that expresses authenticity and Saudi generosity.”
The brand has developed four main product lines covering simple souvenirs to luxury items. Each piece highlights cultural and aesthetic value important to gift-givers.
Oud AlDurayhim: Scent and Memory
A few doors down, Oud AlDurayhim sells traditional oud fragrances in a setting featuring textured mud walls and carved wooden display towers. Co-founder Suleiman Al-Durayhim noted Ramadan naturally drives higher sales as brands highlight their offerings.
The brand has experienced strong demand across the Kingdom and Gulf. Among the scents is Saad, a perfume named after his late father, carrying family memory into a product customers wear and share.
Suweik: Multi-Brand Hub
Nearby Suweik operates as an indoor strip of local labels, becoming a popular Ramadan shopping destination. The restored building houses multiple Saudi brands under one roof.
The multi-brand venue attracts shoppers seeking diverse local products. It demonstrates how restored traditional spaces support contemporary Saudi entrepreneurship.
Ghain Abaya: Growing International Appeal
Ghain Abaya built its online audience since 2017 before opening its first physical shop in Diriyah. Sales associate Nour Ahmed reported much stronger visitor traffic this Ramadan compared to last year.
Prices range from 170 riyals ($45) to 550 riyals. The brand attracts international customers, particularly Europeans interested in experiencing authentic abayas and spiritual connection with Islamic traditions.
Neighborhood Expansion
Samhaniya has grown significantly over recent years. Ahmed noted: “At first it was only cafes and the guesthouse, but now it’s extended to the end of the street. It’s all Saudi brands.”
The neighborhood has transformed from a single-use destination into a comprehensive retail and cultural hub. The growth reflects broader interest in authentic Saudi cultural experiences and local entrepreneurship.
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