Noha Puzzles
What's your name?
Noha
Where are you based?
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Tell us about what your ordinary day looks like.
On a typical day, I work in data privacy in the banking sector in Riyadh. My work keeps me busy and detail-oriented, so I really appreciate having hobbies that help me unwind after a long day.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and of course, puzzling. Most evenings, you’ll find me with a cup of tea, some music or a podcast in the background, and a puzzle spread out on the table.
Puzzling has become one of my favorite ways to relax, slow down, and enjoy a little creative time each day.
How did you get into the world of puzzling?
Throughout the years, I would occasionally do a puzzle here and there, but I never considered myself a puzzler. What I did do consistently was watch Karen Puzzles on YouTube. I loved seeing the variety of puzzles and hearing about different brands and artists.
Everything changed when I watched her videos about the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship (WJPC). I was amazed by the number of people who shared the same hobby and by how passionate the puzzling community was all around the world. It made me want to experience it for myself.
In April 2025, I bought my first puzzle from a local store, and that was the beginning of my puzzling journey. Since then, I haven’t stopped. What started as simple curiosity quickly became one of my favorite hobbies.
What makes you keep puzzling & how often do you puzzle?
What keeps me puzzling is the feeling of slowing down and being fully present in the moment. After a busy day at work, sitting down with a puzzle helps me relax, clear my mind, and focus on something creative and rewarding.
I usually puzzle several times a week, and sometimes every day when I’m working on a puzzle I’m especially excited about. What I love most is that every puzzle offers a different experience through its artwork, colors, piece cut, and overall design.
Puzzling has also become a wonderful companion in my daily life. Since I live away from my hometown for work, there are times when life can feel a little lonely. Finding this hobby gave me something to look forward to every day and helped turn quiet evenings into moments of comfort and joy.
More than anything, puzzling has taught me to enjoy the process, not just the finished picture. Some of my favorite moments are the small victories along the way when a difficult section finally comes together.
What is your favorite type of puzzle?
I tend to prefer puzzles with 1,000 pieces or fewer. Since I only started puzzling seriously in 2025, I’m still exploring different styles, but I’ve learned that I enjoy puzzles with lots of color and interesting graphic designs.
One of my recent discoveries was geometric artwork. After completing my first SOONNESS puzzle, I realized how much I love puzzles with geometric patterns, bold colors, and unique visual elements. Those designs keep me engaged from start to finish.
In general, I’m more drawn to graphic and illustrated puzzles than traditional landscape or sightseeing images. That said, I try not to limit myself too much. Part of the fun of puzzling is discovering new artists, styles, and designs that you might not have chosen otherwise.
During puzzling sessions, do you listen to anything or puzzle in silence?
I rarely puzzle in silence. For me, having some kind of background noise makes the experience even more enjoyable.
Since I live away from my family and many of my close friends, I often FaceTime them while I puzzle. It feels like we’re spending time together even when we’re in different cities, and it makes long puzzling sessions much more fun.
If I’m not chatting with someone, I’m usually listening to a podcast. Most of my favorites are in Arabic, and I love how they keep me entertained while my hands stay busy. On days when I want something lighter, I’ll put on some music and simply enjoy the process of puzzling.
The only thing I don’t do is sit in complete silence. I always like having a little company in the background, whether it’s family, friends, a podcast, or music.
If you were to describe what puzzling means to you, what would it be?
My companion.
Tell us about your other interests & joys.
Outside of puzzling, I enjoy building LEGO sets, as I grew up building them and still find them just as enjoyable today. I also try to stay active and fit exercise into my routine whenever I can.
One of my favorite ways to spend a quiet evening is with a bowl of popcorn, a soda, and a good TV show. It’s a simple pleasure, but it’s hard to beat.
Do you have anything you want to share?
One thing I love most about puzzling is the community. Everyone is so kind, encouraging, and supportive. Even though many of us puzzle alone, it never feels that way. Whether you’re working on your first puzzle or your hundredth, there’s always someone willing to share advice, celebrate your progress, or cheer you on when you’re stuck.
I’ve especially enjoyed puzzling along with fellow puzzlers from around the world. It’s amazing how a hobby that is often done alone can create such meaningful connections and friendships.
In a world that can sometimes feel rushed, it’s refreshing to be part of a community that values patience, creativity, and connection. I’m grateful to have found it.
To everyone reading this: Just keep puzzling!!!
