Awwad bin Dais' collection revisits the milieu of the eighties.
Awwad bin Dais' collection revisits the milieu of the eighties.
Cairo: Saudi media figure Awwad bin Dais has sought to recreate life in the 1980s by collecting items from that decade and displaying them in a quasi-museum inside his home.
The idea for his museum began in a single room, where Awwad meticulously transformed the space — from the paint and doors to the décor — bringing back details reminiscent of the 1980s.
He has also revived the television shows of the era, along with period-appropriate furniture and curtains that were once popular.
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Awwad revealed that he sourced most of the collection from various locations, ensuring that every detail was authentic—from the distinctive doors of the time to everyday items such as juices, telephones, and TV sets.
His passion stems from his belief that revisiting the past provides a "reward for the soul"— a nostalgic escape from modern-day routines.
"My hobby of collecting items from the 1980s comes from having lived through that era," he told the Saudi news portal Sabq.
During Ramadan, his museum also features an Iftar table and related programmes for visitors.
In recent years, Saudi media has highlighted citizens transforming their homes into museums, reflecting a growing official interest in preserving national heritage.
One such enthusiast is Issa Al Enazi, who has converted his home in northwest Saudi Arabia into an open museum showcasing heritage artifacts — some over a century old.
His collection, which includes personal items, offers a glimpse into ancestral life, featuring grinding stones and howdahs that once adorned camels during long journeys.
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