Under the patronage of His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, the Al-Jawf region witnessed the launch of the “International Handicrafts Forum,” inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Mutaib bin Mishaal bin Badr bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the region. This important event, held at the Al-Jawf Cultural Center in Sakaka over two days, is one of the highlights of the “Year of Handicrafts 2025” initiative, reflecting the Kingdom’s growing interest in the handicrafts and traditional industries sector.
Historical background: Handicrafts as part of Saudi identity
Handicrafts in Saudi Arabia represent a living record of its rich history and cultural and geographical diversity. From Sadu weaving, which UNESCO has inscribed on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, to pottery in Al-Ahsa, wood carving in Najd, and silversmithing in Asir, each piece of craft tells a unique story about its environment and the skill of ancestors passed down through generations. These crafts were not merely tools for daily use; they were artistic expressions and symbols of tribal and regional identity, making their preservation a national duty to safeguard the Kingdom's cultural heritage.
The importance of the forum and its expected impact
The forum is organized in collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the Heritage Commission, and the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (WIRT), and aims to achieve several strategic objectives. Locally, the forum seeks to empower Saudi artisans economically by opening new marketing channels and connecting them to global markets, in addition to promoting cultural tourism in regions like Al-Jawf, which is rich in historical sites and heritage. Regionally and internationally, the forum works to solidify the Kingdom's position as a leading global center for traditional arts, attracting experts, researchers, and investors, and fostering cultural dialogue between different civilizations through the shared language of art and creativity.
Diverse activities for exchanging experiences and innovation
The forum brings together a select group of specialists, researchers, and artisans from within the Kingdom and abroad, serving as a comprehensive international platform for discussing contemporary issues related to the sector. Its program includes scholarly sessions showcasing the latest trends in developing traditional crafts and integrating them with modern designs, along with a scientific poster exhibition displaying leading research in the field. A dedicated artisans' exhibition will also be held to showcase their products and creations, as well as an accompanying exhibition featuring government and private entities. In addition, specialized training workshops will be offered to refine participants' skills, transfer global expertise, and foster innovation in traditional industries.
The organization of this international forum comes within the framework of the tireless efforts made by the Ministry of Culture and the Heritage Authority to promote the sustainability of the handicrafts sector, preserve cultural heritage, and consolidate Saudi identity, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the national economy and enrich the quality of life of citizens and residents.
