https://arab.news/vnze9
- Ministry of Culture aims to elevate traditional crafts and empower artisans through national celebration
JEDDAH: The Ministry of Culture has announced 2025 as the 鈥淵ear of Handicrafts,鈥� recognizing the cultural and artistic significance of this tradition in Saudi society.
The initiative, approved by the Cabinet, aims to celebrate Saudi artisans鈥� creativity and showcase their talents globally.
Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan expressed appreciation for the Cabinet鈥檚 decision and emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Saudi cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Badr said: 鈥淎t the Ministry of Culture, we work to instill pride in the national identity and all the tangible and intangible cultural elements associated with it.
鈥淭his is one of the goals of the National Cultural Strategy under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030, which places national identity and Saudi culture among its ambitious objectives.鈥�
The 鈥淵ear of Handicrafts鈥� will serve as a platform to honor this essential component of national identity, celebrating its cultural and artistic value.
Prince Badr added: 鈥淪audi handicrafts reflect the creativity of Saudi society through weaving, handmade artifacts and artistic innovations passed down through generations.
鈥淎mong these are pottery, traditional clothing, ceramic utensils, leatherwork, copperwork, tailoring, dyeing, blacksmithing, gold and jewelry crafting, and other handmade creations by Saudi artisans.鈥�
The Ministry of Culture aims to elevate Saudi handicrafts locally and internationally, empowering artisans and boosting their contribution to the economy.
This will be achieved through events organized with partners to highlight the cultural, historical and economic importance of handicrafts.
Since 2020, the ministry has celebrated an annual 鈥渃ultural year鈥� to honor key elements of Saudi culture.
The 鈥淵ear of Arabic Calligraphy鈥� was celebrated in 2020 and extended into 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Kingdom celebrated 2022 as the 鈥淵ear of Saudi Coffee,鈥� 2023 as the 鈥淵ear of Arabic Poetry,鈥� and 2024 is the 鈥淵ear of the Camel.鈥�
The 鈥淵ear of Handicrafts鈥� in 2025 promises to celebrate the artistry and heritage that form the core of Saudi identity, ensuring that this invaluable legacy is preserved and shared globally.