There is really one spot to get all your art and crafts and hobby supplies from if you happen to be in historic northern Alkhobar: Al-Zamil Stores.
Started as a family business in 1964, the 62-year-old institution has not aged a day. And although the prices have climbed, its ethos has been steady ever since.
Nowadays, getting to Al-Zamil might require extra patience as the roads leading there mimic a challenging video game — with frequent road closures, narrow streets and confusing detours, as well as lines and lines of trucks parked nearby.
However, once you finally arrive, you’ll enter and return back in time. It is a time capsule and a treasure trove of quirky supplies that will help invigorate you and inspire you to create and craft.
It is where all the local children of the ’90s and beyond got their art school supplies, especially ones deemed too niche for Jarir.
While a small fire years ago suspended the store briefly, it’s back in full swing.
It remains unbeaten when it comes to fun artsy activities, puzzles, stationary and plenty of yarn, beads, pens and paint.
It is full of Arabic and English picture books, glitter glue, posters and wooden and foam objects to spray paint or decoupage. It has small flags and science kits and stickers, and tools to help you make your masterpiece.
The first floor is jammed with goodies — you can ask one of the experts on hand to help you create your vision. They can even make or build it for you, for a price.
Up the flight of colorful stairs, you will find rows and aisles full of flamboyant and subtle decorations.
Up on even higher ground, you will find full of rows of textiles and other materials that you can buy per meter, with experienced tailors on standby to help you curate your creations.
It is where many a child’s costume was made back in the day. They also sew pillows and other items if needed.
Wandering into the areas near the stairs to see bits of packaged wonder stacked neatly on the sides is recommended.
With rapid change all around it, Al-Zamil is the landmark that still offers young and old an opportunity to hone their creativity and really dig into their childhood wonder and curiosity.
