Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah said that the Ministry of Culture will work to increase the visibility of Saudi handicrafts both at home and abroad during its celebration of the year 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts. "The ministry will also work to enable Saudi artisans to display their creations at events and activities in the Kingdom and the world over," he said while commending the Saudi Cabinet's decision to declare 2025 the Year of Handicrafts.

Prince Badr said that the Cabinet decision acknowledges the significant cultural value handicrafts have had in Saudi culture for many years and it also highlights the creativity that sets the unique handicraft industry apart and showcases the talent of Saudi craftsmen to the global community. "At the Ministry of Culture, we are working to instill pride in our national identity and all its associated cultural elements, whether tangible or intangible. This is one of the objectives of the National Culture Strategy, under Saudi Vision 2030, which has prioritized national identity and Saudi culture as ambitious goals," he said.

The minister emphasized that the Year of Handicrafts initiative will help celebrate this essential component of highly significant cultural and artistic value that is the cornerstone of national identity. "Saudi handicrafts reflect the creativity of Saudi society, encompasses textiles, handicrafts, and artistic creations that have been passed down from generation to generation. These include pottery, clothing, beadwork, copper products, sewing, dyeing, blacksmithing, gold and jewelry making."

The minister noted that the government initiative also aims to increase the contribution of Saudi handicrafts to the local economy and to raise awareness about their cultural, historical, civilizational, and economic significance.