Saudi Arabia Opens Global Forum to Support Handicraft Artists

The International Handicraft Forum began in Sakaka under the patronage of Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Saudi Minister of Culture. The event aims to bring together Saudi and global artisans to strengthen cultural ties. Prince Miteb bin Mishaal bin Badr bin Saud bin Abdulaziz opened the forum on behalf of the governor of Al-Jouf Region. Maha Al-Senan, Deputy Minister for Research and Cultural Heritage, also attended the opening.

The two-day forum is being held at the Al-Jouf Cultural Center. It is organized by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Heritage Commission and the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth). The event is part of the national Year of Handicrafts 2025 initiative. Its main purpose is to highlight the importance of traditional crafts in Saudi culture and to ensure that these crafts continue to be part of daily life.

The forum focuses on how traditional handicrafts represent Saudi Arabia’s deep cultural identity. It also promotes the work of artisans who keep these traditions alive. The event encourages cultural pride by showing how handmade crafts connect communities to their history, heritage, and unique artistic styles.

One of the key goals of the forum is to build stronger cooperation between Saudi artisans and their international counterparts. The event offers a shared platform where artisans, researchers, and specialists can meet, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. This cooperation helps enrich the craft sector and supports cultural exchange.

The forum also discusses how traditional crafts can support cultural tourism in Saudi Arabia. Handicrafts attract visitors who want to learn about local culture, and this helps grow the national economy. By supporting artisans, the event aims to create more economic opportunities and help craftsmen and craftswomen increase their income.

In addition to heritage, the forum also explores new ideas and modern techniques in the craft industry. Researchers share recent studies, and artisans learn how to combine tradition with innovation. This helps preserve old skills while encouraging creative growth.