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.”

 


Saudi Arabia takes leading role in Helsinki ICRC donor summit

Updated 13 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia takes leading role in Helsinki ICRC donor summit

  • The Kingdom’s delegation took part in various discussions, led by its deputy ambassador to Finland, Faisal Al-Shehri

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has joined the International Committee of the Red Cross donor support group during a high-level summit in Helsinki, while simultaneously taking charge of a global peace-building initiative.

The Kingdom’s delegation took part in various discussions, led by its deputy ambassador to Finland, Faisal Al-Shehri, and Geneva-based humanitarian affairs chief at Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Shatha Al-Ahmadi.

ICRC president Mirjana Spoljaric highlighted Saudi Arabia’s status within the humanitarian community, describing the Kingdom as “not only a donor state, but a trusted and vital political partner for the International Committee of the Red Cross.”

Spoljaric specifically commended Saudi Arabia’s significant contributions to the global initiative designed to strengthen political commitment to international humanitarian law, positioning the Kingdom as a key driver of humanitarian policy development.

The Saudi delegation expressed appreciation to both the ICRC and Finnish government for organizing the summit, saying the Kingdom’s membership reflected its commitment to humanitarian work: “Our participation reflects an unwavering dedication to humanitarian action, rooted in our firm belief in the international community’s collective duty to assist conflict victims and deliver humanitarian aid.”

The delegation emphasized its full recognition of the ICRC’s unique mandate and exceptional position among humanitarian organizations, reaffirming Saudi support for maintaining its independence and neutrality.

The Kingdom has assumed leadership of the global initiative’s third operational track, which addresses the intersection of international humanitarian law and peace-building efforts. 

Saudi delegates stressed the need for peaceful conflict resolution, political dialogue enhancement and diplomatic engagement between nations to foster mutual respect and create pathways toward lasting reconciliation and sustainable peace building.

The summit concluded with a ceremonial leadership transfer from Finland to the UK within the donor group structure. 

Saudi representatives congratulated their British counterparts, expressing their enthusiasm for enhanced collaboration with the incoming leadership and all international partners to advance multilateral humanitarian system development.


Saudi FM holds calls with regional and Norwegian counterparts on regional tensions

Updated 7 min 17 sec ago
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Saudi FM holds calls with regional and Norwegian counterparts on regional tensions

  • Calls came amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Friday held a series of phone calls with regional and international counterparts to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a call with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, the two sides reviewed the recent Israeli strike on Iran, its regional repercussions, and stressed the importance of de-escalation and safeguarding regional security, SPA added.

Prince Faisal also spoke with Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa, with discussions also focused on the latest developments in the region and their wider implications.

He held similar discussions with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. They also focused on the Israeli attack on Iran, which they said constituted an escalation that threatened the security and stability of the region.

In a separate call, the Saudi minister discussed regional and international issues of common interest with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.


Saudi airports issue travel alert after airspace closures amid Israel-Iran tension

Updated 13 June 2025
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Saudi airports issue travel alert after airspace closures amid Israel-Iran tension

  • Major airports authorities in the Kingdom have advised those traveling to check with their airlines before heading to the airport to avoid delays or flight changes

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday issued a travel alert for citizens and residents after airspace closures following the Israeli attacks on Iran ramping up tensions between the regional rivals.

Increased tensions in the region could pose security risks and several countries in the Middle East closed their airspace, resulting in travel disruptions, including flight cancellations.

Major airports authorities in the Kingdom have advised those traveling to check with their airlines before heading to the airport to avoid delays or flight changes.

In advisories on social media, King Khalid International Airport Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport, Dammam and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah, said: “In the interest of your safety and comfort and due to the current developments in some countries in the region, travelers heading to destinations affected by airspace closures are kindly advised to contact their respective airlines directly before proceeding to the airport.

“This is to confirm the latest updates on their flights and to avoid any unexpected delays or changes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we are always pleased to serve you.”

After Israel attacked Iran early on Friday, airlines diverted flights affected by airspace closures.

Airlines cleared out of the airspace over Israel, Iran and Iraq, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers scrambling to divert and cancel flights to keep passengers and crew safe.

Joanne Serrieh, a journalist working with Alarabiya, on Friday afternoon posted on X: “Currently on Emirates flight EK216 from LAX to DXB. We’re being diverted to avoid closed Iranian airspace. We’ll be landing in Jeddah to refuel then will hopefully be able to continue to Dubai.”

Shamim Akhter, an Indian expat who worked in Riyadh for decades and is flying back home tonight on final exit, told Arab News: “After learning about airspace closure and flight diversion from Arab News, I contacted my airline, so far, the flight is expected to depart as scheduled. There is no change in timing, so I will proceed on time.

“If there is a change, I will be informed by the airline,” he said, adding: “The heightened tension following the Israeli attack on Iran has created unnecessary chaos. I hope and pray things return to normal soon.”

Due to the heightened tension Iranian airspace has been closed until further notice, state media reported. Jordan also closed its airspace to all flights.

Israel has suspended flights to and from Israel, its flag carrier El Al Airlines said. Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice.

Conflict zones around the world are becoming an increasing burden on airline operations. Six commercial aircraft have been shot down unintentionally and three endured near misses since 2001, according to aviation risk consultancy Osprey Flight Solutions.


Saudi and UK foreign ministers discuss regional developments

Updated 13 June 2025
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Saudi and UK foreign ministers discuss regional developments

LONDON: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met in London with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Friday to discuss ties and regional developments, the foreign ministry announced.

The meeting touched on areas of joint cooperation and ongoing efforts to address regional challenges, the ministry added.

Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, was also present.

The talks come ahead of next week’s Saudi-French conference on Palestine in New York, where international officials will seek to revive momentum for a two-state solution and outline steps toward Palestinian statehood.


Palestinian child arrives in Saudi Arabia for treatment under King Salman’s directives

Updated 13 June 2025
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Palestinian child arrives in Saudi Arabia for treatment under King Salman’s directives

RIYADH: Palestinian Mohammed Khaled Hijazi, 7, arrived in the Kingdom on Thursday with his parents to receive medical care and was immediately transferred to the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh.

The supervisor general at the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the humanitarian initiative to treat the Palestinian boy in the Kingdom.

Al-Rabeeah said that Hijazi lost his right eye while his left eye was severely damaged by an explosion while he was playing with friends near their house, which was completely destroyed, in the Jabalia camp, north of Gaza, last month.

The supervisor general prayed for the boy’s speedy recovery and for the Palestinian people to be relieved of their suffering.

He clarified that this initiative is a continuation of the relief and humanitarian efforts provided by the Kingdom to the Palestinian people in times of crisis and adversity, particularly the most vulnerable categories, such as children, who innocently pay the price of conflicts.

Al-Rabeeah also saidthat the initiative is part of the humanitarian approach adopted by the Kingdom toward needy peoples through KSrelief, which does not discriminate based on gender, race, or religion, and is fundamentally rooted in noble human principles of compassion and human solidarity.

The Palestinian boy’s parents expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the Kingdom for treating their son, affirming that this brotherly gesture is not unusual from the Kingdom’s leadership, which has always been known for its honorable stance in support of the Palestinian people.