A first-of-its-kind directory of collectors from across the GCC is being compiled by seasoned Bahraini philatelist Hafedh Abdulghaffar, who hopes to turn a plethora of personal passions into a comprehensive cultural archive.
His work is halfway complete on the first edition of Gulf Collectors Directory, which will feature 600 collectors – 100 each from the six GCC countries.
“Collectors are ambassadors of culture,” Mr Abdulghaffar told the GDN. “Each item tells a story about history, local culture and human creativity.
“It is a hard mission ... but it is close to my heart.”
Mr Abdulghaffar began the project during Ramadan and has so far amassed around 300 entries for the directory, featuring everything from banknotes and stamps to unique collections like Lego models, vintage hotel key cards and seeds.
Amongst those included is Saudi collector Saleh Al Saab who amassed 200 different pumpkin varieties and seeds in just six months, as well as Bahraini Aref Jamsheer whose home office is filled with different and unique kinds of ballpoint pens.
Mr Al Saab showcases his collection of 200 pumpkins and seeds
“I want to make this directory truly unique,” he explained. “Not another catalogue of stamps and coins, but a celebration of individual stories and rare treasures.”
The project also addresses a critical challenge in collecting communities – preservation.
Many rare collections disappear after a collector’s death, with unique items scattered amongst family members or sold.
Mr Jamsheer with his collection of ballpoint pens
By creating this directory, Mr Abdulghaffar hopes to connect collectors, encourage younger generations and ensure these personal museums aren’t lost.
The directory will include a chapter on late collectors from across the GCC, who have since died, like Bahraini veteran collector Ali Musa’ed who meticulously collected empty chip bags during his life, especially unique ones featuring sports teams and popular characters.
The cover of the book
According to Mr Abdulghaffar, these aren’t just collections – they’re cultural snapshots.
He has also prioritised diversity, actively seeking female collectors and younger enthusiasts.
He’s already identified several women collectors, including a Saudi university professor who wrote a book on revenue stamps and Bahraini Lego collector Faten Amin, who was recently featured in the GDN’s sister publication GulfWeekly.
Ms Amin with her collection
Ms Amin, the first Bahraini woman in a host of top organising roles at the Bahrain International Circuit, has collected 79 Lego sets in the last several years, most of which are in homage to her other passion – motorsport.
Mr Abdulghaffar is hoping to highlight women within the directory, having found three in Bahrain, three in Saudi Arabia, and a handful across the other GCC countries.
He is also planning to include GCC-based expatriates with significant collections in the expansive guide.
Each collector will receive a full page featuring their photograph, contact information, collecting history and highlights of their most unique items.
The publication will be primarily in Arabic, with some key information, like the author’s name, in English.
It will be available in both print and digital formats, with approximately 1,000 copies planned for initial print and distribution.
From vintage cameras and gold pens to Arabic typewriters and commemorative matchboxes, the directory promises to be a treasure trove of unexpected collections.
“I want to show rare items which cannot be found everywhere, belonging to individuals only,” Mr Abdulghaffar added. “I also want to build bridges between collectors, encouraging a new generation to start collecting and preserving cultural artifacts.”
As younger generations gravitate towards new collectibles like Pokemon cards and limited edition figurines, this directory serves as a bridge between traditional and contemporary collecting practices.
Mr Abdulghaffar is also hoping to have a central physical location one day where Bahraini collectors can exhibit their collections.
“It would make for a unique attraction for visitors to the kingdom, since these collections are fragments of history, beyond what is usually found in the national museum,” he added.
To be included in the directory, collectors are invited to visit the Bahrain Philatelic Society, where Mr Abdulghaffar is a prominent member, and which meets every Thursday evening to provide a platform for collectors to exchange items, and share stories.
With an anticipated release in October, the Gulf Collectors Directory is hoping to transform individual passions into a collective narrative of preservation, curiosity, and cultural documentation.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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