If you’re new to Riyadh and you’re lucky enough to find accommodations within “Western” Compounds, you’ll be familiar with the monthly Coffee Morning events organized by your compound’s recreation department. Most of the time these are social gatherings, usually for women, that encourage expats to mingle and get to know one another. The really big compounds also organize bazaars and parlor games depending on the season.
When I was still working in a compound, we use to go to most of the Coffee Morning events. Most compound events are by invitation only (meaning residents only and their guests), but there are some events that are open to outside visitors and vendors. You just need to check with the compound recreation departments for available slots. The Coffee Mornings are usually organized around September to May.In my experience the best bazaar was Kingdom City’s Coffee Morning because it was always jam-packed with people. I didn’t keep tabs but I would bet that there were at least 80 vendors selling different products like jewelry, china pottery, abayas, clothes, decorations, cupcakes, sweets, crafts and souvenirs!
Other compounds like Ishbilia Compound and Al Hamra Oasis Village also organize bazaars and are worth visiting too! In fact, we had the opportunity to participate in their Coffee Morning Events last December (Thanks Ms. Lisa from Ishbilia Compound and Ms. Aimee of Al Hamra for saving us a slot!) I attended Ishbilia and Al Hamra’s Bazaar to promote The Pink Tarha and The Riyadhizen Planner. I was a little nervous about meeting people. (*cough, introvert*) But it was a good thing that Hubby came out to accompany me even though it was a weekday.
Here are some photos of products I found during both events:
Of course, The Riyadhizen Planner!
Lovely ceramic plates and wares from C for Ceramics
Wooden Toys by Raneem Jarrouj
Lovely accessories by Caroline Maamary
Home-made soap by Pure Body K.S.A.
I couldn’t help but stare at Desert Harvest‘s souvenir products. They have a lot of unique products that I haven’t seen in other souks. What’s more, they even deliver here in Riyadh and outside Riyadh. They have saudi-themed stationery, cute camel ceramics, brass works and even miniature carpets. Definitely a great souvenir from your stay here in Riyadh!
Aren’t these Salt and Pepper shakers cute?
These souvenir items are exclusively sold by Desert Harvest.
Handcrafted camel toys
Ms. Kerstin Niemann, photographer and author of the book “Beautiful Saudi Arabia”. Her work captures the allure of Saudi Arabia’s stunning landscape.
These lovely and tireless ladies from Nowell’s Mission are selling to raise funds for Syria.
On behalf of the whole team, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who dropped by our booth and bought a copy of The Riyadhizen planner and our mugs! I met a lot of our readers during these events and I also met a lot of talented people too! You truly made this experience worthwhile.
Note: For more information regarding Al Hamra and Ishbilia Recreation Events, please contact their respective Recreation Departments as listed below. We’d like to emphasize that we don’t work for compounds so we don’t have any information regarding their future events and vendor rates. Have a great day!
COMPOUND INFO
Ishbilia Compound
King Abdullah Road East, Riyadh.
Telephone : 00 966 11 2406944
Mobile : 00 966 593111094
Email: ishbilia@bawaniint.comAl Hamra Oasis Village
Ash Shuhada, Riyadh 13241
T: (966) 11 249-0440
F: (966) 11 248-3628
www.alhamra.com.sa
recreation@alhamra.com.saVENDORS FEATURED
Desert Harvest
Email: alizhanghua@yahoo.com
Mobile: 0507909522Kerstin Niemann
Author of Beautiful Saudi Arabia
Email: beautifulsaudiarabia@outlook.comPure Body KSA
Facebook: www.facebook.com/purebodyksaCaroline Maamary
Fashion Designer
Email: carolinemaamary@hotmail.comNowell’s Mission
Education Program for Syrian Children in Lebanon
Email: nowell@sukkar.net
WhatsApp: 0562558877Raneem Jarrouj
Wood Toys and Decor
Email: raneem_jarrouj@live.comNajwa Hawari
C for Ceramics
Mobile: 0506446100
Hello there,
I’m really impressed by your work! I loved each and everything you people made. I’m a big fan of any kind of art, whether it was sewing, drawing, painting, crafting.. Etc. However, I did not get where is your exact location? Is it in Jeddah? Is is in a mall? Or your have your own store? Please can you provide me with the details.
Thanks ,
Regards