A Visionary’s Early Spark
In a time when Saudi Arabia’s creative landscape was still finding its footing, one woman dared to dream beyond the conventional boundaries. Kholoud Attar, an entrepreneur, creative leader, and advocate for local talent, laid the foundation for a cultural shift that would empower the Kingdom’s designers, artists, and visionaries.
Her journey began in the early 2000s, when she realized there was no platform dedicated to showcasing Saudi creativity. She saw immense potential in the artistic and design communities of the Kingdom—talents that lacked exposure and opportunities. This realization fueled her passion, leading to the launch of Design Magazine, the first publication in Saudi Arabia dedicated entirely to creative fields.
The magazine became an instant success, offering a space for architects, fashion designers, photographers, graphic artists, and culinary innovators to share their work with the world. It was more than just a publication; it was a movement that united and uplifted Saudi creatives, bringing them into the limelight at a time when such recognition was scarce.
Championing the Local Creative Economy
Kholoud Attar’s passion for creativity extends far beyond publishing. She is a vocal advocate for Saudi’s local creative economy, actively working to support designers, artisans, and small businesses. Her mission is to transform creativity into a sustainable career path for young Saudis.
One of her most impactful initiatives is DRB, a platform that showcases and sells Saudi-made souvenirs crafted by local artisans. In a country that often imports its cultural products, DRB aims to redefine souvenirs by offering authentic, locally inspired gifts. These items tell the story of Saudi culture, ensuring that visitors leave the Kingdom with a piece of its heritage.
Through DRB and other initiatives, Kholoud has made it her mission to promote ethical, locally sourced, and culturally significant designs. She continuously encourages young designers to explore Saudi heritage in their work, merging tradition with modern aesthetics to create something unique and meaningful.
Her advocacy extends to her social media presence, where she regularly highlights and promotes local designers, artists, and small creative businesses. By using her platform to amplify their voices, she has built a community where creatives can thrive, connect, and find opportunities.
Accolades and Recognition
Kholoud Attar’s contributions to the Saudi creative landscape have not gone unnoticed. Her relentless dedication has earned her numerous accolades and acknowledgments, solidifying her status as a leader in the field.
She has been recognized by Forbes as one of the most inspiring Saudis and was featured by Arabian Business as one of the 50 most influential Saudi women. These honors, while significant, pale in comparison to the real impact of her work—the growing number of creatives who credit her platforms for giving them a voice, a career, and a place in the industry.
Beyond publishing, she has expanded her influence through consultancy work, guiding emerging creative businesses in transforming their passion into profitable enterprises. She helps designers build strong business strategies, develop unique branding, and navigate the challenges of turning creativity into a sustainable profession.
Navigating Challenges in a Transforming Landscape
Building a creative empire in Saudi Arabia two decades ago was not an easy feat. When Kholoud Attar first started, social media was in its infancy, and there were very few opportunities for creatives to showcase their work. Additionally, it was still uncommon for Saudi women to lead businesses, making her journey even more challenging.
Launching Design Magazine was a bold move—creating a network magazine for Saudi creatives at a time when the industry was largely unexplored. She had to work tirelessly to convince advertisers, find contributors, and create content that would engage a growing audience.
Fast forward to today, Kholoud faces a different but equally demanding challenge—competing against a market flooded with mass-produced, imported cultural items. Through DRB, she is working to position locally crafted souvenirs as the preferred choice for visitors. Her ultimate goal is to elevate Saudi artisans by giving them a larger platform and helping them build a sustainable livelihood.
Despite these challenges, her dedication remains unwavering. She envisions a future where Saudi’s creative sector is not only recognized but celebrated globally.
Strategic Initiatives for Sustainable Creativity
Kholoud’s long-term vision is ambitious yet deeply rooted in sustainability, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. One of her key initiatives is establishing a fund for designers who create products representing Saudi culture.
She is currently working on expanding DRB’s presence across the Kingdom. Her goal is to open DRB branches in airports and key tourist locations, making cultural souvenirs more accessible to visitors. By doing this, she hopes to strengthen the market for local artisans and provide them with consistent opportunities to showcase their work.
Her work has gained international attention, leading to her selection for the “Her Voice” grant by Mastercard, a $30,000 business grant designed to support female entrepreneurs. This funding will help her further develop DRB, expand its reach, and refine its product offerings.
Lessons in Resilience and Faith
Throughout her career, Kholoud has embraced a philosophy centered around resilience, perseverance, and faith. She firmly believes that success comes not from avoiding challenges but from overcoming them.
Her journey has taught her that setbacks are a natural part of any ambitious endeavor. Rather than seeing obstacles as roadblocks, she views them as learning opportunities—chances to refine her approach, strengthen her vision, and push forward with even more determination.
Faith plays a significant role in her life, influencing the way she approaches both business and personal growth. She believes that sincerity, passion, and dedication always lead to divine blessings and success.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Cultural Appreciation
Kholoud Attar’s vision extends beyond her personal achievements. She aspires to leave behind a legacy that empowers designers, artisans, and artists for generations to come. She wants to ensure that the Saudi creative industry continues to flourish, evolve, and inspire.
Her work with KAAPH Media, which she founded 16 years ago, has played a critical role in this mission. As a creative media house, KAAPH continues to publish Design Magazine, which has now reached its 70th issue, with a circulation of 30,000 copies per edition.
Through this publication, she has helped shape the narrative of Saudi creativity, giving a voice to emerging and established artists alike.
Advice to the Next Generation of Creatives
For young designers and creatives looking to carve out a space for themselves in the industry, Kholoud Attar offers one key piece of advice:
“Never dim your light for anyone. Keep building, stay true to your vision, and success will follow.”
She encourages young talents to embrace their originality, push boundaries, and never compromise on their passion. In a world that often values conformity, she urges creatives to stand out, take risks, and believe in their unique perspectives.
A Glimpse into the Future
As Saudi Arabia undergoes a cultural transformation, Kholoud Attar remains at the forefront, advocating for the seamless integration of traditional artistry with contemporary design.
Her future projects aim to bridge the gap between heritage and modern creativity, ensuring that Saudi culture continues to thrive both locally and globally.
With new collaborations, initiatives, and expansions on the horizon, her journey is far from over. If anything, it’s only just beginning.
Conclusion
Kholoud Attar’s impact on Saudi Arabia’s creative landscape is undeniable. Through her unwavering passion, bold initiatives, and commitment to cultural preservation, she has become a pillar of inspiration for creatives across the region.
Her story is a powerful reminder that with vision, resilience, and a deep love for one’s culture, anything is possible.
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