ALKHOBAR: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture has launched an ambitious cultural program to transform a centuries-old Saudi craft into a driver for art, design, and innovation.
Ithra has unveiled the Khoos Initiative, which is designed to preserve the traditional craft of palm weaving.
Anchored in Al-Ahsa, home to the world’s largest date palm oasis and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the initiative blends heritage with innovation, positioning Saudi palm weaving as a platform for global creativity.
Palm weaving, or khoos, has long been associated with daily life in Ƶ, and produces baskets, mats, and functional household objects. Ithra’s initiative reframes the tradition for the 21st century.
Ala’a Al-Qahtani, creative programs specialist at Ithra, said: “The Khoos Initiative was launched to reimagine palm weaving through the lens of contemporary craft, moving it beyond functional objects into new expressions in art, design, fashion, and architecture.
“The goal is not only to preserve heritage but to evolve it into a space where tradition meets innovation.”
Artisans collaborate through the program with designers, architects, and creatives from around the world. Their work explores new forms, pushing palm weaving into contemporary art, fashion, and architecture while retaining its cultural roots.
Al-Ahsa’s significance is central. In addition to being the Kingdom’s palm heartland, it is also a cultural anchor for identity and craftsmanship.
Al-Qahtani told Arab News: “Al-Ahsa is the heart of palm weaving in the Kingdom. By anchoring the initiative here, we support local craftspeople while also positioning Al-Ahsa as a hub of cultural dialogue.”
The initiative highlights palm weaving not only as a Saudi tradition but as part of a global heritage shared across regions with palm ecosystems. This cross-cultural resonance, Al-Qahtani noted, makes the craft “a cultural bridge, strengthening both local identity and global understanding.”
While innovation is key, protecting authenticity was a challenge at the start.
“The main challenge was maintaining the authenticity of palm weaving while bridging it to contemporary practices,” Al-Qahtani said. “We addressed this by engaging traditional artisans alongside contemporary designers, in signature commissions, and through our residency program encouraging dialogue between the two. This ensured that while the roots of the craft remain intact, it can evolve and adapt to new contexts, making it relevant in today’s cultural and creative landscape.”
This approach has produced dynamic exchanges: Artisans safeguard knowledge passed down for generations, while young designers and international creatives introduce fresh perspectives.
The Khoos Initiative also speaks directly to Ƶ’s Vision 2030’s goals of expanding the creative economy and strengthening cultural diplomacy.
“The Khoos Initiative is a direct reflection of Vision 2030’s cultural objectives. It protects a unique aspect of Saudi heritage while also transforming it into a driver for creativity, education, and new economic opportunities,” said Al-Qahtani.
“By linking palm weaving to contemporary art, design, and global collaborations, the initiative not only preserves tradition but also contributes to Ƶ’s cultural diplomacy and creative economy.”
Palm weaving has traditionally been carried forward by women in local communities, and their expertise remains crucial. But the future lies in dialogue between generations.
Al-Qahtani said: “Women and young creatives are at the core of the Khoos Initiative. Women have traditionally carried the knowledge of palm weaving, and their expertise is essential for keeping the craft authentic. At the same time, young people bring new perspectives and creative energy that help reimagine the craft for contemporary contexts such as fashion, architecture, and design.”
This exchange ensures that palm weaving continues as a vibrant cultural practice, rooted in heritage but alive in new creative spaces.
Running until March 2026, the initiative includes “The Palm Tree Exhibition” at Ithra. The program also extends beyond Saudi borders as Ithra is presenting at UNESCO’s MONDIACULT 2025 in Barcelona and at the ICOM General Conference in Dubai.
With artisans and designers helping to showcase the craft internationally, Ithra positions Saudi palm weaving as both cultural memory and global innovation.
For Al-Qahtani, that is the real success: a craft that once lived quietly in oases now commands a place in the world’s creative conversation.
