Living traditions: How women have contributed to preserving Saudi crafts and heritage

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Sadu weaving, which is also listed by UNESCO, is one of the most prominent traditional and creative arts in the Kingdom. (Huda Bashattah)
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Updated 10 March 2025
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Living traditions: How women have contributed to preserving Saudi crafts and heritage

  • Women have had prominence in establishing arts, crafts, cuisines

RIYADH: Hams Al-Mureh began drawing in her childhood, largely influenced by her surroundings: intricate and colorful geometric shapes lined the walls of her grandmother’s house, the signature of the art of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri.

Women in the southern region of Saudi Arabia, historically, were responsible for plastering and painting these decorative motifs for more than 300 years. They are now culturally defining elements of the rich heritage of a modern Kingdom, but women’s contributions to Saudi culture do not end there: their role was prominent in establishing arts, crafts, and cuisines that are a big part of the burgeoning nation.

Al-Mureh, now an established Saudi artist, told Arab News: “I would watch my grandmother as she painted, and I first participated with her in decorating the walls of her house in 2009. I was not just practicing a hobby, but contributing to reviving an ancient heritage.”




Saudi artist Hams Almureh incorporates elements of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri in her work, painted over a canvas of palm leaf weaving—another traditional art form. (Supplied)

She spoke about how Al-Qatt Al-Asiri “is an identity, a visual language that expresses the history and culture of women in the southern region of Saudi Arabia.”

She added: “It is also a symbol of life, beauty, and social communication, as it was traditionally painted collectively in homes to reflect the spirit of cooperation and female creativity.”

As a child she was drawn to the bold color composition and the harmonious geometric details of the murals, but what mattered most to her was the emotional connection with her family.

Her grandmother was a natural-born artist, she says, and Al-Mureh inherited this through storytelling and direct experiences. “It wasn’t a traditional way of teaching as much as it was participation in a way of life,” she explained.




Sadu weaving, which is also listed by UNESCO, is one of the most prominent traditional and creative arts in the Kingdom. (Huda Bashattah)

Al-Qatt is considered an art traditionally done by women as a means of decorating a home’s interior. The more intricate and skilled the work is, the more dignified the women of the family are considered.

The geometrical shapes, consisting of lines, triangles, diamonds, and squares, are traditionally painted with natural colors extracted from flowers, leaves, and various metals.

It was inscribed on UNESCO’s lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017 and one of its most notable figures was the late Saudi visual artist Fatima Abou Gahas, who was known for her naghash, or fresco, wall painting.

Al-Mureh now incorporates elements of Al-Qatt painted over a canvas of palm leaf weaving — another traditional form of art in Saudi. While these weaved mats and fans are now considered great gifts or decorative pieces, Bedouins once relied heavily on the weaving technique to create baskets, bowls, mats, tablecloths, brooms, and bags to be carried by their camels.

Palm leaves are dried out in the sun, then cut and soaked before being dyed, if required, and then sewn together.




Saudi artist Hams Almureh incorporates elements of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri in her work, painted over a canvas of palm leaf weaving—another traditional art form. (SUPPLIED)

Al-Mureh said: “Palm weaving art, such as palm baskets and mats, was part of daily life in Saudi Arabia, just like Asiri Qatt. I wanted to merge the two arts to make my artistic practice not only aesthetic, but also stories that carry the spirit of a place and time.”

Traditional handcrafts are considered one of the most significant aspects of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage. The 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, a UNESCO treaty, has focused specifically on passing on heritage from one generation to another.

Sumaiah Al-Ghamdi, the senior archaeological research officer of the antiquities sector at the Heritage Commission, told Arab News: “Women have played a major role in preserving these crafts by actively practicing them.”

Sadu weaving, which is also listed by UNESCO, is one of the most prominent traditional and creative arts in the Kingdom. It has been practiced by those living in the Arabian Peninsula since ancient times and, in turn, those living in Saudi Arabia since its inception.

Al-Ghamdi added: “As time passed by, it encapsulated an image of human and cultural heritage in the Kingdom, through the designs, its unique craftsmanship, the detailed decorative elements, and the bright colors.”

The horizontal style of weaving is made using camel hair, and was traditionally used to make desert tents that protected from the nighttime cold and the daytime sun. It is also decorative and has now made its way into many modern designs like abayas and furniture.

Al-Mureh said: “Preserving traditional arts does not mean freezing them in time but reintroducing them in contemporary ways that make them accessible to the new generations, whether through visual arts, design, or even handicraft products.

“Heritage is not just the past; it is the foundation on which we build our future.”




Palm leaf weaving a traditional form of art in Saudi. (Huda Bashattah)

The practice of applying henna — a reddish-brown dye made from dried, powdered leaves of the henna tree — to the body was recently added to UNESCO’s list.

A report from the Saudi Press Agency then said: “Henna has great cultural significance in Saudi Arabia, with the art mastered by women and passed down through generations. It represents joy and optimism and is a social tradition that strengthens community bonds.”

Saudi cuisine is also an indication of the country’s rich history, with each of the 13 regions in the country having its own unique dishes.

Al-Ghamdi said: “We have jareesh, harees, khubz ahmar, qursan. There are so many dishes depending on the region and they are being made at the same time in either winter or summer.

“Our women’s work to pass these typical dishes down to the following generations is the best form of preserving this heritage. They have innovated methods of keeping and storing food, like drying, pickling, souring, or sugaring, as a form of food preservation.”

In an artwork that celebrates women’s dual role in establishing the country’s culinary and musical heritage, artist Najla Alqubaisi presented “The Sound of Millstone” during the Noor Riyadh festival of art and light last year. The audiovisual installation featured folk songs sung by Najdi women during long hours at the millstone.

Al-Ghamdi said: “I believe that folk songs and Saudi folklore can be attributed to women because they were essentially sung for and about them, and this in itself is a preservation of the popular song.

“Another thing is that women sang and performed traditional songs at wedding parties in the past and they are still doing it today.”

 


In Saudi Arabia’s ‘Year of Handicrafts,’ passion has no limits

Updated 5 sec ago
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In Saudi Arabia’s ‘Year of Handicrafts,’ passion has no limits

  • Local artisans receive government support as industry flourishes
  • Handicrafts association aims to bring pottery to a wider audience

RIYADH: Since Saudi Arabia announced 2025 as the “Year of Handicrafts,” the industry has seen a significant focus on artisans and artisanal crafts that showcase domestic and international ventures through festivals and programs, leading to a boost in confidence for aspiring craftspeople.

For artisan and entrepreneur Sheikha Al-Abdulkarim and her two sisters, their interest in pottery went from a weekend curiosity to a local cultural initiative — one of the many shaping the future of traditional crafts in Saudi Arabia.

The idea behind Herfah, which means craft in Arabic, was born out of a love for the ancient clay material as a form of creativity and connection to Saudi heritage.

Today, that passion has transformed into a fully fledged venture that trains aspiring artisans, sells handmade ceramic pieces, and helps preserve one of the Kingdom’s oldest traditions.

“We weren’t thinking about a business at first,” Al-Abdulkarim said. “It was just something we really wanted to learn. But once we started working with our hands, we realized this was more than a hobby.”

In late 2016, the sisters struggled to find pottery workshops in their area, so they contacted an American-Danish ceramic artist who they had discovered online.

That decision led to their first intensive training course and sparked a vision they had not imagined: Creating a space in Saudi Arabia where others could learn, experiment and reconnect with the art of pottery.

Raised in a home where heritage was part of daily life, Al-Abdulkarim credits her upbringing for planting the seed. She was surrounded by handmade textiles, traditional crafts and a family that valued artistry, but turning passion into something tangible was not easy.

“There weren’t many resources,” she said. “Finding materials, equipment, even knowledge — it was all a challenge. But honestly, that made us more determined.”

In 2021, their project Herfah took a turning point when it received backing from Saudi’s Cultural Development Fund, or CDF, a key initiative supporting creative projects across the Kingdom.

With that funding and guidance, the sisters were able to set up a dedicated workspace in the Eastern Province, invest in tools such as kilns and clay-shaping equipment, and offer structured training programs.

“Having that kind of support changed everything,” Al-Abdulkarim said. “It allowed us to dream bigger.”

She advises any aspiring artisan to take advantage of the resources and opportunities that are now abundant in Saudi.

Including CDF’s support programs, the Heritage Commission’s Artisan’s House program offers training courses that seeks to enhance the skills of Saudi artisans, promote innovative craft designs, and encourage participation in festivals and events that attract tourists and visitors from both within and outside the region.

One of the largest annual events in Riyadh is the Saudi International Handicrafts Week — known as Banan — which offers a wealth of live music, interactive experiences and artisanal works from around the world, in addition to Hail’s HARFA festival.

At Herfah, visitors can take part in workshops, experience hands-on pottery sessions, or simply browse handcrafted pieces that blend traditional design with modern aesthetics.

Inclusion is also a priority for the studio, making sure to host sessions for visually impaired participants and encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the craft of pottery.

Their journey reflects a broader movement burgeoning across the Kingdom that highlights the growing importance of cultural preservation, not only for its heritage value but for its economic potential.

The local traditional crafts sector and associated industries have reached an annual market value of SR1.5 billion, according to the Saudi Cultural Development Fund, with efforts to grow that figure through investment and training.

But for Al-Abdulkarim, what matters most is that more people are discovering the joy and meaning behind handmade work. What began as a search for a simple pottery class is now a mission to keep an ancient craft alive, one fired kiln at a time.

“Pottery has taught us patience, resilience and how to connect with our roots,” she said. “Our goal now is to take Herfah further to different cities, different communities, and to show the world what Saudi hands can create.”

As part of Vision 2030, the Saudi Cultural Development Fund continues to back creative businesses such as Herfah, helping to shape a sustainable ecosystem for artists, artisans and cultural entrepreneurs alike.


Saudi leadership extends condolences over death of Kuwait’s Sheikh Fahad Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 41 sec ago
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Saudi leadership extends condolences over death of Kuwait’s Sheikh Fahad Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah

  • Sheikh Fahad passed away at the age of 75 and his funeral took place on Monday morning, Kuwait News Agency reported

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a cable of condolences to the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on the passing of Sheikh Fahad Sabah Al-Nasser Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Fahad passed away at the age of 75 and his funeral took place on Monday morning, Kuwait News Agency reported.

King Salman prayed for the deceased’s forgiveness and extended his condolences to Sheikh Fahad’s family.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent similar cables of condolences to Sheikh Meshal and Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah.


Summer festivals in Baha, Najran offer wide array of cultural events

Updated 30 June 2025
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Summer festivals in Baha, Najran offer wide array of cultural events

  • Summer Festival 2025 inaugurated by Prince Hussam bin Saud
  • More than 500 events set to light up Baha festival

RIYADH: A vibrant summer of arts, music and cultural events has arrived in the Baha and Najran regions.

Prince Hussam bin Saud, the governor of Baha, has officially opened Baha Summer Festival, which features more than 500 events aimed at attracting some 2.5 million visitors.

He said everyone involved was working together to deliver an exceptional experience for both residents and those coming to the area.

The lineup for the Baha summer season, being held under the slogan “Color Your Summer,” includes artistic and musical performances, circus festivals, magic shows and a range of recreational and cultural activities.

Preparations for the festival included road maintenance, upgrades to parks and tourist sites, ample parking facilities, clear directional signage and the introduction of free Wi-Fi in public parks. Cleanliness, monitoring and safety measures have also been significantly enhanced across all venues.

Meanwhile, the Summer Festival organized by the Najran municipality begins on Tuesday under the banner “Our Summer is Great.”

Mayor Saleh Al-Ghamdi said preparations ahead of the season included equipping more than 160 parks, gardens, municipal squares and walkways to welcome those attending, carried out in coordination with various government and private entities.

He added the festival featured diverse events in several locations in Najran city and its governorates, which includes a shopping festival, horse shows, paragliding, classic car shows and family and children’s programs, as well as recreational and cultural activities, poetry evenings, sports competitions, handicrafts, plays, programs and training courses.

The activities will be held over 45 days and contribute toward the goals of Vision 2030, said Al-Ghamdi, highlighting that the Najran region’s unique nature and tourist sites made it a major attraction.


Saudi-led initiative restores Yemen’s iconic Seiyun Palace

Seiyun Palace in Hadramout is regaining original form through restoration led by Saudi Development and Reconstruction Project.
Updated 30 June 2025
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Saudi-led initiative restores Yemen’s iconic Seiyun Palace

  • Kingdom’s program, UNESCO collaborate to preserve heritage, boost cultural tourism in Hadramout

RIYADH: After years of deterioration that threatened its survival as a historical and cultural symbol, Seiyun Palace in Hadramout, eastern Yemen, is regaining its original form through restoration led by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen. 

Seiyun Palace was once featured on Yemen’s national currency due to its importance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Originally built as a fortified stronghold to protect Seiyun, the palace later became the residence of the sultans of the Kathiri state, who ruled Wadi Hadramout. 

Despite its significance, the palace suffered damage over time, reaching a critical point in 2022 when a large part of its outer wall collapsed, raising concerns about its future. This led to calls for restoration, according to the SPA. 

At the Yemeni government’s request, the Saudi development program launched a project to restore the palace. 

Funded by the program and implemented by UNESCO, the effort involved Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and Yemen’s General Organization of Antiquities and Museums, with support from Yemen’s Social Fund for Development.

Restoration included repairing the outer wall and mudbrick structures. Attention was given to restoring wooden ceilings, carved doors, and windows that showcase Yemeni craftsmanship. 

The project also preserved the palace’s architectural features, including traditional decorations and wall inscriptions. Local engineers and technicians were trained in restoration techniques for ongoing maintenance. 

This project supports development in Hadramout and the preservation of Yemen’s heritage. The palace can now receive visitors and host events, enhancing its role as a cultural and tourism site, the SPA reported.

The Seiyun Palace restoration is one of 264 projects by the Saudi development program across Yemen, covering education, health, transportation, energy, water, agriculture, fisheries, and institutional capacity building.


Saudi students honored for international success

Alrebdi bin Fahd Al-Rebdi, director of the Saudi Data and AI Authority’s National Data Management Office. (SPA)
Updated 30 June 2025
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Saudi students honored for international success

  • Meanwhile, the Generation Research and Innovation Enrichment Program was recently launched at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology

RIYADH: Students from Tuwaiq Academy enjoyed outstanding success at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition in Malaysia, where they won 12 gold medals and 16 special awards.

Alrebdi bin Fahd Al-Rebdi, director of the Saudi Data and AI Authority’s National Data Management Office, said the students’ performance reflected their creativity and global competitiveness.

He praised them for positively representing the Kingdom, adding the achievement stemmed from ongoing investment in human capital, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

A ceremony honoring the students included a visual presentation on their participation and an exhibition highlighting their projects. Two winners also gave talks about their journeys, challenges and lessons learned.

Meanwhile, the Generation Research and Innovation Enrichment Program was recently launched at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, bringing together more than 90 gifted students from across Saudi Arabia.

Organized by King Abdulaziz City through Academy 32, in partnership with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, the program aims to introduce students to the basics of scientific research and promote innovation.

It connects participants with research centers and experts, offers practical training and encourages contributions to local scientific content.

Academy 32 CEO Amani Al-Shawi said the program helped develop young talent and prepare them for competition, citing recent successes by Saudi students including at the International Science and Engineering Fair and in Malaysia.