Ramadan’s lucrative economic opportunities for Saudi small business

A dessert from Flour Boutique. (Supplied)
Short Url
  • “We are distinguished by the way we prepare our coffee and sweets by growing it, preparing it and presenting it to guests. Whether coffee, dates, Hijazi maamoul, or millet cake in the original way,” Al-Harthi told Arab News

RIYADH: The holy month of Ramadan holds immense significance for Muslims around the world, marking a period of fasting, prayer, reflection and community gatherings.

It is customary for people to gift items that are associated with Ramadan, such as dates, rosary beads, prayer mats and gowns, creating excellent economic opportunities for small businesses in Saudi Arabia.




Rawan Sweets customers like to order more Date maamoul during Ramadan, says Hanan Al Harithi. (Supplied)

People like to order more date maamoul (date cookies) from Rawan Sweets during Ramadan, according to Hanan Al-Harithi, the owner of the business.

Al-Harthi sells Saudi coffee that she makes from scratch and Arabic sweets like maamoul, which are associated with Saudi cultural heritage and hospitality.

FASTFACT

It is customary for people to gift items that are associated with Ramadan, such as dates, rosary beads, prayer mats and gowns, creating excellent economic opportunities for small businesses in Saudi Arabia.

“We are distinguished by the way we prepare our coffee and sweets by growing it, preparing it and presenting it to guests. Whether coffee, dates, Hijazi maamoul, or millet cake in the original way,” Al-Harthi told Arab News.

Another idea for Ramadan gifts are Two Holy Mosques paintings and souvenirs sold by the Landmarks and Antiques shop.

“All products come from the heart of the Two Holy Mosques and our products are received by all communities around the world,” said Fouad Bukhari, owner of the business.




Two Holy Mosques paintings and souvenirs from Landmarks and Antiques shop make great Ramadan gifts. (Supplied)

“Thanks to our wise government and the custodian of the two university campuses for supporting families by granting us a self-employment license.”

The shop’s items are designed and manufactured in the Kingdom’s Makkah region.

Abeer Bakheet’s bakery, Flour Boutique, serves a variety of desserts, including KitKat cake, mango cake and pistachio cheesecake.

“During Ramadan, the most popular products are basbousa (semolina cake) with cream and date cake,” she said.

One online store that has surged in popularity is Matajer Al-Shabi, which means “a store that sells traditional things” in Arabic.

The outlet offers a variety of old and unique popular products, such as furniture, models, antiques, rarities, leather crafts, kitchen utensils, precious stones, beads and pottery.




Abeer Bakheet owns a bakery called Flour Boutique where she serves the most delicious desserts that make people want to fast. (Supplied)

“We are a Saudi online store specializing in selling high-quality products and innovative designs. We also believe that these products express our ancient heritage and culture, and therefore we strive to provide them to our customers who are interested in folk heritage,” said Zaid Barwan, owner of the store.

The store works with local craftsmen and artisans to produce its products.

https://matjeralshabi.com/