Interview with Doaa bin Thabit, Founder, Packageha

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Interview with Packageha enterpeneur Doaa bin Thabit, highlighting her contributions and work in the KSA market, compelling reasons for joining the industry and why she decided to join Gulf Print & Pack 2025.

Could you tell us a bit more about your background and how you founded your company, ‘Packageha’?

My background is rooted in design and entrepreneurship. I am a Saudi social entrepreneur driven by a passion for creating impact. By nature, I am a marketer, and for me, packaging is much more than just a passion; it is a vital element of product strength and marketing appeal. The beauty and thoughtfulness of packaging play a crucial role in shaping the first impression of any product or gift, a belief that ultimately inspired me to establish Packageha.

The idea for Packageha came from recognizing a gap in the market for affordable, high-quality packaging tailored to startups and home-based businesses. Many small businesses struggled to afford professional packaging, which affected their ability to attract customers and stand out in the market. As someone deeply committed to helping small businesses grow and thrive, I founded Packageha to bridge this gap.

Packageha empowers businesses by providing packaging solutions that not only reflect their unique brand identity but also elevate their products’ appeal in a competitive market. Through our work, we aim to make professional packaging accessible to all, helping entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.

How has Packageha, as a boutique printing press, empowered startups through customized and accessible packaging solutions?

At Packageha, we focus on delivering high-quality packaging with low minimum order quantities, making professional branding accessible to startups and small businesses. Our free design services allow entrepreneurs to create unique packaging that resonates with their brand without worrying about additional costs. By providing fast delivery and personalized support, we help businesses take their first steps confidently, ensuring their packaging enhances their product's appeal and credibility in the market.

As a boutique printing press, we pay close attention to the details of every packaging order. Our goal is to provide solutions that not only meet our clients’ needs but also reflect their brand’s unique identity in a thoughtful and creative way.

Can you tell us a bit more about the role of Packageha in digitalizing the printing order process to make it more seamless and efficient?

At Packageha, we have embraced digital solutions to make the printing process as seamless and efficient as possible for our clients. One of the key features of our platform is its integration with Canva, allowing customers to paste their design links directly. This makes it easier for clients to share their creative ideas with us, ensuring their packaging reflects their vision perfectly.

Our digital platform streamlines every step of the process—from selecting packaging types to customizing designs—saving time and reducing complexities. This approach not only enhances convenience but also allows us to serve customers in small villages and remote regions, making professional packaging accessible to businesses regardless of their location. 

One of the main objectives of Packageha (translated to ‘Package It’) is to support productive women, particularly mothers, who wish to work from home or start their own businesses. How has your company helped them create high-quality packaging that reflects their handmade uniqueness while staying within a limited budget?

At Packageha, we understand the unique challenges many women, especially mothers, face when balancing family life with the desire to pursue their passions and maintain their sense of identity. For many, starting a home-based business offers a way to achieve this balance. Similarly, women living in remote villages, with limited access to traditional job opportunities, often turn to e-commerce to create sustainable livelihoods.

However, one of the biggest barriers they encounter is the cost of professional packaging, which is critical for presenting their handmade products in a way that reflects their quality and creativity. That’s where Packageha steps in with our motto: "Just start; and start right." We empower these women by providing high-quality, affordable packaging that mirrors the uniqueness of their products without adding to their financial burden.

At Packageha, we package to deliver happiness and help our clients follow their passions with confidence. We aim to be more than a packaging supplier; we are their success partner. With our boutique approach, we build sustainable relationships, ensuring that whenever they need more packaging, we’re there to deliver it within 24 hours.

What are your plans in terms of expanding Packageha to cover the GCC region and beyond?

Our vision is to become the go-to packaging partner across the GCC and eventually expand internationally. We are currently proud to serve customers not only in the GCC but also in Jordan and Egypt.

We are working on strengthening our logistics network to ensure fast delivery and exploring partnerships with local businesses in neighboring countries. Our goal is to bring our tailored packaging solutions to more startups, empowering entrepreneurs in the region with accessible and professional services.

You have recently written a book about packaging and its role as a visual guide for entrepreneurs in the industry. Can you tell us a bit more?

My book Packaging is a visual guide designed to help entrepreneurs, designers, and artisans understand the vital role of packaging in building brand identity. It provides tips, tools, and inspiration to create impactful packaging that communicates effectively, supports marketing efforts, and enhances consumer experience.

Through a combination of insightful content and infographic design, Packaging simplifies the packaging industry, making it accessible and practical. It empowers readers with the knowledge and skills to craft packaging that not only reflects their brand but also helps them stand out in a competitive market.

What have been your biggest achievements within the packaging industry?

As the first Saudi boutique printing press dedicated to serving startups, we are proud to have empowered hundreds of startup businesses and built trust that is reflected in the loyalty of our long-term clients. Expanding our reach to neighboring countries has been another significant milestone, showcasing our commitment to supporting entrepreneurs regionally.

Being a pioneer female in the packaging industry, I’m proud to have created a platform where women feel comfortable communicating their needs, empowering many women-led startups and businesses in remote areas.

Launching our gift packaging line led us into the retail business, allowing us to serve a broader market through channels like Virgin Megastore and Amazon. Our CSR initiative, “Gift with Love,” allowed us to create a meaningful social impact by encouraging students to repackage their toys as gifts for orphans during Ramadan, leaving a unique fingerprint on the industry.

Finally, our participation in Gulf Print & Pack 2025 highlights Packageha’s growing role in the industry and our ongoing dedication to innovation and empowerment.

What have been some of the challenges that you have experienced?

On a personal level, a significant challenge has been the lack of technical knowledge and formal packaging courses in the region. Packaging has traditionally been an exclusive, male-dominated industry, making it a rare field for women. To overcome this, I sought knowledge through self-education,researching, asking questions, and visiting exhibitions like Gulf Print & Pack in Dubai. Today, I am proud to participate in the first Saudi edition of Gulf Print & Pack, marking a milestone for the industry in the region.

Another challenge we’ve faced as a company is educating entrepreneurs about the value of professional packaging, especially when budgets are tight. It’s not just about the cost; it’s about helping them see packaging as an investment in their brand and a key factor in attracting customers.

These challenges were a driving force behind my decision to write my book Packaging. I wanted to simplify access to this knowledge for Arabic readers and provide entrepreneurs with a practical guide to understanding the crucial role of packaging in building their businesses and effectively communicating their brand identity.

An ongoing challenge has been managing rapid growth and scaling our operations to meet the diverse needs of our expanding client base. Balancing growth while maintaining our commitment to quality and personalized service has required continuous innovation and adaptability.

How will Gulf Print & Pack 2025 act as a platform to help entrepreneurs like yourself looking to start their own business within the industry?

Gulf Print & Pack 2025 provides an incredible platform for networking, showcasing our work, and learning from others in the industry. It’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, share insights, and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

For Packageha, it’s a chance to highlight how we’re empowering startups and contributing to the industry’s growth. The event will also allow us to explore partnerships and expand our reach, further supporting entrepreneurs in the region.

This first Saudi edition is a milestone for the industry, reflecting the region's growing role on the global packaging map. It aligns with my vision of supporting local businesses, fostering innovation, and contributing to the development of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.