The Alkhawanki family from Umluj shines as a symbol of creativity and craftsmanship in the Red Sea region. Their talents were showcased during the Red Sea Sailing Race exhibition at Turtle Bay, where they captivated visitors with a blend of tradition and innovation. 

• Haya Alkhawanki has spent over twenty years weaving joy into her colorful crochet creations. From unique dolls to turtle-inspired keychains and wearable art, each piece carries the cheerful spirit of Umluj’s coastal charm. 
• Rania Alkhawanki combines artistry and entrepreneurship, producing delicately embroidered textiles that merge traditional techniques with modern designs. Beyond her craft, she runs a local mobile phone repair shop, serving her community with passion. 
• Mahmoud Alkhawanki masters the art of making traditional prayer beads (misbahas), sourcing raw materials and crafting each piece with techniques that tell new stories from the heart of the Red Sea. 

Their journey reflects how local talent, when nurtured, becomes a bridge between heritage and opportunity, aligning with Red Sea Global’s vision to empower and celebrate local creators.

In Al Wajh, where the sea meets history, Nouf Rashid Albalawi quietly crafted her success story through persistence and passion. Starting not from a lab or workshop, but from a simple corner of her home, she made her first soap as a gift for a loved one — and that was the beginning of everything.

The journey was far from easy. Formulas failed, ingredients clashed, and countless trials were needed to perfect her craft. Yet, Nouf pressed on, attending training courses and learning from every setback until she achieved excellence.

Today, each bar of her handmade soap represents not just a natural product, but a piece of her identity. 

“I want people to look at my products and say: this is authentically Saudi,” she says. 

Her message to young women is clear and heartfelt: 

“Try. If you fail, try again. Don’t be afraid — fear is failure before the attempt. Try, and leave the rest to Allah.” 

Um Elias from Umluj is an inspiring entrepreneur whose story is woven with perseverance and resilience. Despite setbacks, including the loss of her business after an unfortunate accident, she refused to give up. Drawing on her skills in project management, confectionery, and home-based ventures, she reinvented herself and turned challenges into opportunities.

With determination, she transformed her own home into a thriving breakfast restaurant, overcoming obstacles in funding and location. Thanks to community support and social media influencers, her restaurant soon became a favorite spot for many.

"We started from zero, faced countless challenges, and today my business has proven itself. Now, I’m working on expanding it," she says. 

Um Elias’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence and a reminder that success is built on hard work, dedication, and belief in one’s dreams.

Mazen Albalawi grew up on the shores of Al Wajh, where the sea and the legacy of his ancestors shaped his path. Determined to blend tradition with modern progress, he built a career that honors the maritime heritage of his community while embracing the Kingdom’s development. 

Alongside his work as a Marine Logistics Coordinator at Red Sea International, Mazen nurtures a unique artistic vision as a photographer. His lens is his companion, capturing the hidden beauty and transformation of Al Wajh—from untouched lands to world-class projects. His award-winning photography goes beyond documentation; it tells stories of heritage, change, and pride. 

"My camera has always been my window to the treasures of this land," Mazen says. "I am proud not only to witness its transformation but to contribute to it." 

From Hobby to Identity: Mrayfa Revives Heritage with a Modern Spirit

In the heart of a region rich in authenticity, Mrayfa Suwailim Al-Huwaiti began her journey with a passion for collecting rare heritage pieces and redesigning them in a contemporary style, blending the charm of the past with the spirit of the present. What started as a simple hobby soon grew into a project that reflects the identity of her community and preserves its cultural legacy.

Twelve years ago, she faced a lack of interest in heritage items, yet she remained committed—participating in festivals until perceptions changed and appreciation for local heritage grew. Her work is distinguished by selecting the oldest and rarest items, transforming them into artistic pieces that tell the story of her region and present it in an attractive way to new generations.

Mrayfa believes that preserving heritage requires innovative, modern approaches that inspire people to cherish it. Her advice to young people is clear: persevere, learn from mistakes, and trust that success comes through determination and continuous effort.