Yara Alnamlah’s Moonglaze becomes first Saudi beauty brand at Sephora

For Alnamlah, the launch represented more than a business achievement and she told Arab News it was “a celebration of cultural pride.” (Supplied)
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Updated 05 February 2026
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Yara Alnamlah’s Moonglaze becomes first Saudi beauty brand at Sephora

  • Launch is ‘celebration of cultural pride’ for entrepreneur

DUBAI: Moonglaze, founded by influencer, makeup artist and entrepreneur Yara Alnamlah, on Thursday launched at Sephora Middle East, the first Saudi beauty brand to do so.

For Alnamlah, the launch represented more than a business achievement and she told Arab News it was “a celebration of cultural pride.”

She added: “This achievement not only elevates Moonglaze’s presence on the world stage but also represents a major step forward for Saudi and Middle Eastern beauty voices in the global marketplace.

“What makes this moment truly groundbreaking is that it’s the first time a Saudi brand has entered Sephora’s retail ecosystem, both in store and online exclusively in the Middle East.




MOODS water lip tints. (Supplied)

“This move showcases the growing influence, creativity, and excellence of Saudi and regional beauty innovators, and opens the door for local brands to shine alongside international leaders.

“Moonglaze’s debut at Sephora reflects a celebration of cultural pride, visionary entrepreneurship, and a renewed spotlight on beauty that resonates with diverse identities from Riyadh to the world.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @moonglaze

At Sephora Middle East, the brand’s full range will be available, including blush sticks, bronze pods, highlighter sticks and brushes, alongside the newly launched FEELS lip liners and MOODS water lip tints, which are debuting exclusively as part of the Sephora launch.

The creation of Moonglaze has been a personal journey shaped by Alnamlah’s background as a makeup artist.




The creation of Moonglaze has been a personal journey shaped by Alnamlah’s background as a makeup artist. (Supplied)

“Our products are inspired by my belief in healthy, glowing skin as the foundation of any great makeup look,” she previously told Arab News, adding that this philosophy led her to begin the brand with skincare before expanding into color cosmetics.

Alnamlah added: “The idea of using makeup to highlight natural beauty rather than mask it is something that I wanted to reflect in every Moonglaze product.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by @moonglaze

“Growing up in Saudi Arabia, I’ve always been inspired by the cultural appreciation of beauty and the importance of glowing, radiant skin.” 

The use of the word “moon” in the brand name references the Arabic term “qamar,” often used to describe someone as luminous, Alnamlah explained.

The Sephora launch follows the brand’s debut at Selfridges London in 2024.


Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

Updated 06 March 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

If you were to ask me what the perfect weekend treat-yourself meal is, my first choice would be fried chicken, followed by fried chicken, followed by a burger (but make it fried chicken).

One of my favorite spots for this delicious indulgence is Chicken Industry in Qatif, which, over the past few years, has become a hometown classic.

They also opened another branch in Olaya, Alkhobar.

The great thing about Chicken Industry is that you really cannot go wrong with any item on their menu; the burgers, broasted, twister, tenders, and nuggets are all very well-seasoned, juicy, and crispy.

All their menu items are available in spicy and mild options.

They have a few burger selections.

The original chicken sandwich, which comes with American cheese, pickles, and their signature industry sauce (a must to get on the side with any order), is their take on the classic Popeyes/Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.

For the big kahuna, the chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin that my mouth is watering just thinking about it. (Instagram: @chickenindustry.ksa)

If you want to try a different type of sauce, you could give the black pepper buttermilk sandwich a go — a good option for those who like a balance of flavors between creamy and slightly zingy.

My go-to, however, is the chicken zinger, which comes with American cheese, mayonnaise, and lettuce — a no-fuss burger that has all the right toppings, sauce, and seasoning for the chicken.

Although, I would appreciate the option to add tomato as well for a little something fresh in there.

All of the Chicken Industry burgers come with a soft brioche bun. No notes; it’s a great bun.

The twister, made with two crispy tenders, is also a crowd favorite and comes in a few different options: the original with mild sauce, the fiery twister with spicy sauce, the classic with pepper mayo, and the spicy twister with pepper mayo as well.

Whether you do not want to commit to the full bun burger or just prefer a tortilla, the twister is a great option to either accompany or be the star of your meal.

Now onto the big kahuna: the broasted. If you really want to indulge, this is the option for you.

It comes with four pieces, either spicy or mild (trust me, get the spicy), and is served with garlic sauce on the side.

Although nothing compares to the Chicky Fry broasted, this one is a very close second. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Their nuggets are good, though not amazing — fun to snack on, but I wouldn’t call them a necessity and definitely not as good as their tenders or other options.

And I must say the Chicken Industry French fries could use some improvement; not the greatest texture or flavor, just sort of meh. I will continue to order them because at the end of the day, they are fries, and they’re alright. Besides, no fried chicken meal is complete without fries.

And do not forget to get the sauces on the side: the cheese, the garlic, the industry mild or spicy, buffalo, barbecue, and buttermilk, depending on your preference. They all complement the meal very well.