Startup of the Week: RJ Apparel: Gaining a foothold in fast-growing fitness industry

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Updated 08 September 2020
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Startup of the Week: RJ Apparel: Gaining a foothold in fast-growing fitness industry

  • Jalal said her business is growing fast as more women in the Kingdom become aware of the importance of health and fitness

When it comes to fitness, it is not just a matter of healthy food and proper exercise. A good-quality outfit is essential to help a person exercise comfortably. A few years ago, sports outfits used to be quite expensive due to the reliance on exports. However, this has changed with the emergence of local brands offering quality products at affordable prices. RJ Apparel is one of the many Saudi-based brands catering to the needs of the women on the go.

Raneem Jalal, the founder of RJ Apparel, told Arab News that she has always been passionate about fitness.
“I always wanted to encourage others to be healthy, enjoy working out and feel good while doing that.”
She called RJ Apparel her infant project, which is focused on offering comfortable, affordable, and high-quality activewear for women in Saudi Arabia.
Jalal said her business is growing fast as more women in the Kingdom become aware of the importance of health and fitness.
Jalal said that, as with any startup, her project faced teething problems and it took time to gain a foothold in the fast-growing Saudi market.
She believes good quality — she does not compromise on the quality of her products — and the best customer service ensure sustainable growth for any business.
“Our business objective is not merely to offer good fitness clothing but also to develop a well-connected customer base that relies on us for a satisfying experience,” she said.
Comments on the brand’s social media accounts testify to the fact that RJ Apparel is more than a brand or outlet — it strives to form a big, happy and healthy family that comprises many famous names from the Saudi fitness industry.
Jalal said that her biggest challenge so far was posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Like any other business we depend heavily on stakeholders to run our business and due to recent economic challenges worldwide suppliers and logistics have been our biggest hurdle.”
For the future, Jalal said that she and her brand look forward to contributing to the nation’s Vision 2030 goals, specifically in the area of sport and women’s empowerment.
“We aspire to be the leaders of the local sportswear market and a proud Saudi brand with an international presence.”


Arab designers shine bright at the Golden Globes

Updated 13 January 2026
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Arab designers shine bright at the Golden Globes

DUBAI/ LOS ANGELES: Arab designers dressed a handful of stars at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes on Sunday, with talent from Lebanon, Egypt and Saudi Arabia among the designers to be featured on the awards ceremony red carpet. 

Show host Nikki Glaser took to the red carpet at the event in a baby pink gown by Lebanese designer Zuhair Murad.

The outfit, one of many costume changes for Glaser on Sunday night, hailed from his Resort 2026 collection.

For her part, Kylie Jenner was spotted at the awards ceremony in a custom-made silver gown by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi, the founder of Paris-based label Ashi Studio.

Kylie Jenner was spotted at the awards ceremony in a custom-made silver gown by Saudi couturier Mohammed Ashi. (Getty Images) 

Irish TV personality Maura Higgins looked elegant in a figure-hugging black gown with a textured golden shawl-like accessory by Dubai-based Egyptian designer Marmar Halim.

 Timothee Chalamet and a sea of other stars also said goodbye to color at this year's Golden Globes, opting instead for black.

Ariana Grande left behind her “Wicked” character's signature pink color for a black Vivienne Westwood couture dress but brought back her ponytail. Other notable celebrities in black included Ayo Edebiri, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus and Mia Goth.

Edebiri chose a black off-the-shoulder Chanel dress embellished with jewels on the shoulders from Matthieu Blazy’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show.

Celebrities held onto their gowns and watched their steps as they posed for photos on high stairs that served as the red carpet. Like the Met Gala, they lined up at the bottom and had to perilously climb their way up.

Maura Higgins looked elegant in a figure-hugging black gown with a textured golden shawl-like accessory by Dubai-based Egyptian designer Marmar Halim. (Getty Images) 

The 83rd Golden Globes gives a glimpse into how celebrities will showcase their original take on fashion as the awards season progresses. Since 1944, the show has honored the best in film and television.

The carpet, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, is a chance for nominees to make a statement, though some are beholden to fashion houses who pay them as ambassadors.

Several, including George Clooney, wore Giorgio Armani. The fashion world lost Armani in September, but his eponymous brand lives on.

“It was nice to see so many attendees, including Julia Roberts and Kate Hudson, wearing the brand and pay tribute,” said Véronique Hyland, fashion features director for Elle.

Stars also shone in metallics. “Sentimental Value” actor Renate Reinsve twirled on the carpet in a shimmery silver tasseled dress by Nicolas Ghesquiere for Louis Vuitton. Her co-star Elle Fanning's Gucci dress was embroidered with Norwegian flowers in honor of their Norwegian drama film.