Many of us are collectors, in one way or another, and for someone like me — who enjoys stockpiling books, jewelry and vintage typewriters (among other things) — discovering @crystalages on Instagram was like finding Aladdin’s Cave of Wonders.
Crystal Ages is an online boutique in Riyadh that sells all things vintage and antique. The shop tracks down jewelry, watches, signed items, books, vinyl records and high-end branded items that are decades old, and much more besides, then cleans and restores them, if needed, before putting them up for sale to customers throughout the Kingdom.
The boutique also sells original paintings, cameras, home decorations and vintage electrical devices, such as record players. It’s collections also include historical items from Saudi Arabia, such as notes and coins of the country’s former currencies, and magazines and newspapers from the eras of King Khalid and King Faisal.
When I contacted the shop to buy a typewriter, I found the staff to be very professional, prompt and polite. My purchase was delivered on time and in terrific condition. It was a gift for a friend for her birthday and when she received it she was absolutely speechless, so I am very grateful for Crystal Ages, who bring much joy to collectors and lovers of vintage goods and antiquities.
Where We Are Going Today: Crystal Ages
Where We Are Going Today: Crystal Ages
- Crystal Ages is an online boutique in Riyadh that sells all things vintage and antique
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
