Throughout the year, Ithra positioned craft not merely as an object of beauty but as a living language that reflects identity, heritage, and the continuity of knowledge across generations.

More than 100 local and international artists participated in over 25 thoughtfully curated programs and events, including seven major exhibitions that explored craftsmanship from historical, social, and contemporary perspectives.

These initiatives highlighted how traditional practices continue to evolve, adapting to modern creative expressions while retaining their deep-rooted cultural significance.

One of the most immersive exhibitions, Eternal Crafts: The Art of the Manuscript, introduced audiences to the refined world of Islamic illumination through papermaking, calligraphy, and gilding by master artisans.

The exhibition was complemented by interactive workshops that allowed visitors to experience the discipline and patience behind manuscript art, bridging theory with hands-on learning.

Eternal Crafts: Communal Weaving offered another dimension, presenting weaving as a collective cultural act shaped by shared labor, inherited skills, and social connection.

By reinterpreting weaving through a contemporary lens, the exhibition emphasized how communal traditions remain relevant in today’s creative landscape.

The dialogue between tradition and innovation continued through Crafts in Conversation, an exhibition that brought together contemporary artists who reimagined traditional crafts through experimental artistic practices.

Displayed alongside historical Islamic artworks from Ithra’s collection, the exhibition underscored the fluid relationship between heritage and modern creativity.

Saudi cultural identity was further explored in Continuation of a Craft: Saudi Traditional Costumes, which showcased regional attire and jewelry as expressions of craftsmanship, symbolism, and local diversity.

The exhibition revealed how materials, techniques, and ornamentation serve as visual narratives of the Kingdom’s varied cultural geography.

Women’s artistic voices took center stage in Horizon in Their Hands: Women Artists from the Arab World, which revisited the relationship between craft and modern art from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Featuring works by fifty Arab women artists, the exhibition connected personal memory with broader modernist movements shaping the region’s artistic history.

A pivotal highlight of the year was In Praise of the Artisan, which traced the evolution of Islamic crafts while positioning artisans as vital links between past knowledge and future creativity.

This theme was echoed in Baseqat: The Palm Tree Exhibition, which explored palm-based crafts and demonstrated how nature, environment, and innovation intersect in artistic practice.

Ithra’s commitment to creative development extended to the Khoos Residency, bringing artisans, designers, and artists together to reimagine palm heritage through contemporary design thinking.

The residency culminated in the documentary Sa’fa, offering a reflective visual narrative on the cultural and emotional dimensions of palm weaving.

On the global stage, Ithra expanded its cultural dialogue through exhibitions and forums in London, Dubai, and Barcelona, highlighting Islamic craftsmanship and intangible heritage.

These international engagements reinforced Ithra’s role as a cultural bridge connecting Saudi heritage with global artistic conversations.

Educational outreach remained central, with programs like the Ithra Summer Camp introducing children to crafts through interactive learning and creative exploration.

Panel discussions and guided tours further enriched public understanding, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding handicrafts as a living and evolving cultural legacy.

Running in Riyadh until Nov. 26, the event stands as a powerful platform that honors the role of Saudi women in preserving cultural identity while introducing innovative ideas that reflect the nation’s growing artistic confidence.

Visitors to the festival are welcomed into a warm atmosphere filled with storytelling, craftsmanship and cultural diversity, where more than 20 countries participate and share their unique crafts and traditions.

The gathering emphasizes empowerment, unity and inspiration, showing how artisans from different regions and backgrounds contribute to the shared language of creativity.

Saudi visitors like Rahaf Al-Harthi praise the festival for showcasing the exceptional abilities of Saudi women, many of whom continue to redefine traditional crafts through fresh interpretations and modern flair.

Al-Harthi expressed pride in seeing local talent celebrated on such a global stage, noting that the festival reflects the strength, dedication and artistic excellence of Saudi women throughout history.

One of the most admired crafts featured is Sadu weaving, a traditional Bedouin art that transforms wool into striking geometric patterns bursting with color and meaning.

The festival displays Sadu-inspired abayas, contemporary clothing, home décor and handcrafted accessories that honor the past while embracing modern design trends.

Rahaf and her sister Ohood, whose mother is a participating Sadu weaver, said their visit to Banan helped them appreciate the beauty, diversity and cultural significance of regional crafts.

They explained how women in earlier generations used limited resources to create clothing, tents and decorative items, proving their ingenuity and resilience—qualities still reflected in today’s artisans.

Ohood said that Banan reveals the rich variety of crafts found across Saudi Arabia, from Hail to Jouf and Madinah, each region bringing its own colors, symbols and techniques to the festival.

She encouraged visitors to explore the event, describing it as a meaningful experience that deepens understanding of national heritage while celebrating innovation.

Among the standout participants is Saudi artist Duha Akhdar from Al-Qatif, known for her intricate macrame and knot artistry inspired by old fishnets and maritime heritage.

Her work transforms simple rope into elegant hanging baskets, ornaments and decorative pieces, blending tradition with creativity in ways that resonate with visitors.

Akhdar uses tree branches—once integral elements of old homes—as bases for her macrame boats, carved with Arabic calligraphy and topped with beautifully knotted sails.

She has trained more than 600 individuals in macrame, including people with disabilities, making her art not only visually captivating but also socially uplifting.

Her interest in macrame began during her studies in Canada, where she observed how Mexican families preserved their knot-tying traditions across generations.

This inspired her to research Arab history, where she discovered similar techniques that date back centuries, encouraging her to revive and modernize the craft within Saudi Arabia.

Akhdar’s newer pieces include works inspired by the Kaaba, which she has presented to prominent Saudi leaders, reflecting her pride in cultural heritage and her desire to honor spiritual themes.

Her journey demonstrates how traditional crafts can evolve into meaningful art forms that strengthen cultural identity and inspire the next generation of makers.

The festival also welcomes global creators such as Georgia’s Nata Nikoleishvili, who, alongside her mother, produces handmade clothing using wool felting, natural dyes and plant-based prints.

Their participation highlights Banan’s international appeal and its mission to connect cultures through creativity, craftsmanship and shared artistic passion.

Saudi artist Afaf Dajam adds depth to the festival through her modern interpretations of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, a regional art recognized by UNESCO for its cultural importance.

Her work explores the beauty of geometric wall designs traditionally created by women, blending history with contemporary artistic expression.

Dajam says Banan provides an inspiring environment where artists exchange ideas and learn from one another, discovering surprising similarities between Saudi crafts and those from India, Mexico and North Africa.

This exchange strengthens cultural appreciation and reinforces the universal language of creativity that binds artisans together across borders.

This development reflects a broader national effort to strengthen cultural industries while opening more commercial opportunities for local artisans and small businesses.

The sector’s progress is supported by a clear institutional direction that focuses on modernizing operations and expanding participation across regions.

Authorities have emphasized training, product development and visibility, helping artisans position their work in competitive local and international markets.

Recent data shows the Kingdom’s handicrafts market is now valued at approximately $405 million, marking significant potential for sustainable growth.

Local crafts account for around 20 percent of the market, indicating ample room for expansion and greater representation of Saudi-made products in commercial spaces.

This gap highlights considerable opportunities for emerging and established artisans to develop stronger brands, improve quality standards and reach new audiences.

It also signals a growing demand for innovative designs that preserve cultural identity while appealing to contemporary buyers.

A key driver of this ongoing shift is the Saudi International Handicrafts Week, known as Banan, an annual event that showcases creative talent from across the Kingdom and abroad.

The platform supports artisans as they explore new techniques, enhance product presentation and interact directly with consumers and investors.

Held alongside the Year of Handicrafts, the event reflects the country’s commitment to elevating traditional crafts into sustainable economic ventures.

Exhibitors include first-time participants, home-based creators and small workshops that have gradually expanded into promising commercial projects.

Visitors encounter a diverse range of crafts that go beyond functional items, presenting artistic expressions rooted in cultural values and national heritage.

These pieces demonstrate how traditional skills continue to evolve, blending historical identity with modern craftsmanship.

Banan dedicates a significant portion of its exhibition space to entrepreneurs who are seeking stronger market presence and investment support.

This setup gives creators the chance to test product demand, refine designs and assess potential for local and international sales channels.

Many participants have noted that the event helps them understand consumer preferences and adjust their offerings accordingly.
The opportunity to exchange knowledge and gain direct market feedback plays a central role in shaping their future business strategies.

This initiative also complements several broader programs designed to strengthen the handicrafts ecosystem across Saudi Arabia.

These efforts include training workshops, heritage documentation projects and expanded marketing pathways that help artisans maintain consistency and competitiveness.

By building a structured environment for skill development, authorities aim to preserve traditional craft techniques while enabling professionals to scale their businesses.

This balance between heritage and innovation contributes to a more resilient cultural economy.

As the sector continues to grow, its economic and cultural contributions are becoming increasingly visible.

Handicrafts not only celebrate identity and storytelling but also offer practical avenues for employment, entrepreneurship and community development.

The ongoing transformation signals a promising future for local artisans who are eager to share their work with wider audiences.
With support systems in place, the handicrafts sector is positioned to evolve into a more influential component of the national economy.

Saudi Arabia’s approach highlights how cultural preservation and economic growth can advance together when industry frameworks and market opportunities align.

The sector’s steady rise demonstrates how creative industries can flourish through strategic guidance and community engagement.

The Kingdom recognizes handicrafts as a vital expression of national culture. These traditional arts are not only symbols of beauty and craftsmanship but also serve as bridges that connect the past with the present, preserving generations of inherited skills and artistry.

In alignment with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its commitment to cultural development. By encouraging artisans and supporting creative industries, the Kingdom aims to diversify its economy and enhance global recognition of Saudi art and heritage.

The Ministry of Culture has taken the lead in promoting handicrafts as a national cultural project. Its mission is to provide platforms that allow traditional crafts to evolve while maintaining their authenticity and historical value.

Handicrafts represent the Kingdom’s creative spirit through a variety of practices such as weaving, pottery, metalwork, wood carving, and embroidery. Each craft tells a story of heritage, skill, and dedication, reflecting the artistry that has been passed down through families for centuries.

In support of this initiative, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts continues to nurture talent and preserve the authenticity of Saudi culture.
The institute provides education, training programs, and artistic workshops designed to equip a new generation of artisans with both traditional knowledge and modern innovation.

These programs focus on sustainability, quality craftsmanship, and artistic expression. They encourage students to explore their creativity while staying rooted in Saudi values and cultural identity.

Moreover, the Heritage Commission, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, has launched numerous training initiatives, competitions, and exhibitions. These efforts aim to promote handicrafts as a living art form, bringing traditional skills into the contemporary marketplace.

The initiative also opens economic opportunities for artisans, especially women and young creators. By supporting small-scale craft businesses and connecting artisans with tourism and retail sectors, Saudi Arabia is transforming handicrafts into a sustainable industry.

Internationally, the Year of Handicrafts will showcase Saudi talent on global platforms. The Kingdom plans to host exhibitions, cultural fairs, and artistic collaborations, offering the world a glimpse into its evolving creative identity.

This renewed focus on handicrafts not only enriches the economy but also enhances cultural diplomacy. Through artistic exchange and innovation, Saudi Arabia continues to share its story of transformation and creativity with the world.

Experts note that the initiative is an inspiring example of how culture can drive national pride and economic growth. By blending traditional artistry with modern innovation, Saudi Arabia is ensuring that its cultural legacy remains vibrant and relevant in a fast-changing world.

As 2025 unfolds, the Year of Handicrafts stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s dedication to creativity, education, and cultural heritage.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment ensures that the art of its ancestors continues to inspire, empower, and connect people across generations and borders.