Philadelphia Skateboards

Philadelphia Skateboards was established in Amman in 2009 by Mohammed Zakaria as the first Arabic skateboard brand. At a time when skateboarding in the region relied almost entirely on imported equipment and imagery, Zakaria sought to create a brand that reflected local identity and culture. By choosing the name Philadelphia—Amman’s ancient name, meaning brotherly love—the brand was grounded in history while introducing a distinctly Arab voice to global skateboarding.

From the outset, Philadelphia Skateboards was envisioned as more than a producer of decks. It became a cultural platform, collaborating with artists to create graphics inspired by Arab heritage and contemporary youth culture. The brand sponsored skaters from across the region, providing visibility and support to a new generation of skateboarders from the region.

Its reach quickly grew beyond Jordan, with boards sold in the UAE, Lebanon, Yemen, Egypt, and Morocco, and eventually finding their way into the European market.

Philadelphia Skateboards also played an active role in shaping the local community, contributing to initiatives such as the development of Seven Hills Skatepark, Jordan’s first public concrete skatepark.

Although Philadelphia had to close in 2016, its influence endures. As the first Arabic skateboard brand, it not only filled a gap in the market but also empowered a generation of skaters. Its legacy continues to shape the identity of skateboarding in the Arab world, serving as a reminder of the power of culture, community, and creativity.