By Maria Cometti and Fariha Eshrat
Mohammad Deen’s oriental carpet shop has been a favorite of diplomats for decades. He and his sons run this family business located in Kindy Plaza. Together, they educate and inspire the diplomatic community with rich traditions of oriental carpet artistry.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Mohammad Deen and I’m originally from Pakistan. I moved to the Kingdom over 39 years ago, and my first job was in Jubail at Bechtel. Growing up, I spent a lot of time helping with my family’s carpet business, and I was interested to open my own store in Saudi Arabia. I chose the DQ for my first shop because I loved the environment here. Most of my clients here are interested in the history of the carpet and that makes me feel like they appreciate our carpets more. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to expand my business and I now run four shops across Riyadh. My wife and I have three sons and my sons all help me with the business.
Do you remember your first experiences when starting the business?
I personally didn’t face much difficulty opening the business. As I mentioned, my family was in the carpet industry, so I had some training about where to start. Getting the carpets wasn’t a difficulty either because India, China and Afghanistan, the biggest carpet exporters of that time, were neighbors to Pakistan. So, I was easily able to get my first shipments. To be honest, it was a hobby for me so although it was work, it felt like leisure.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
I really enjoy buying the carpets. I enjoy the process of planning which size & textile to get. I also enjoy my trips to the villages to get the carpets because I get to travel around. But what I enjoy the most is seeing people appreciate the beauty of the carpets we create.
What is most challenging aspect of your work?
Occasionally, the cycle of the business tires me. Even though I still have a passion for my work and a love for my business, some days I feel like it’s time to retire.
Can you teach us some things about carpets that you think we should all know?
Sure. Basically, there are two types of carpets, single knot and double knot. Single knot carpets have a single weft or single transverse thread drawn through it creating a looser pile, while a double knot carpet has a double weft creating tighter piles. The knots and stiches of the carpet should be same size and made by the same person so that they last longer. The material is also very important, make sure your manufacturer use natural materials including vegetable dyes as this brings an artistic quality to our carpet that chemicals can’t. Finally, make sure the edges are made of the carpet itself and not sewn on afterwards.
What are the most important things to consider when selecting carpets?
The most important things to consider are the color and size of carpet. It’s very important to find something that suits your taste and your home.
How to know you are getting a fair price?
The first thing to remember is that the price of the carpet isn’t based on the size or pattern on the carpet. Usually, the price is based on the carpet’s quality and time spent making it. Unique designs are costlier because they take more time while a traditional carpet can usually be made more quickly. Also, old carpets can sometimes be more expensive if they are cared for properly because when they become tighter the more they are tread upon. If you’re interested in reselling your carpets, this is an important information to ask about. Once at the store, you should ask about when the carpet was made, where it was made, what material was used, what pattern was created, and how long it took. Most importantly, ask for these details to be provided on a certificate. Then ask the sales person to explain the price and provide a receipt. Take receipts for several carpets and compare the prices.
What are the most popular carpets right now?
Customer preferences change over time and right now, people really carpets from Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. People are more interested in geometrical shapes, woolen textiles and neutral colors. These usually range from 500-1500 SR per square meter.
Finally, what additional services do you provide?
Well, our carpets are 30% off for local diplomats and we install the carpets without any added charges. We also provide carpet shipping, carpet trials at homes and we can wash and repair any handmade carpets. We’ve also provided carpet lectures in small groups for others in the industry or those interested. Anyone who wants to learn more about carpets is always welcome, all you have to invest is time.
BA Ramadan Oriental Carpets
Kindi Plaza (beside SMSA Express)
Diplomatic Quarter,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Call: +966-11-488-4569 / +966-55-5069066
Email: rizwan3300@hotmail.com
Operating Hours:
Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
