The Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia is set to showcase Saudi handicrafts in 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts. The ministry aims to increase the visibility of Saudi handicrafts both domestically and internationally by enabling Saudi artisans to display their creations at events and activities. Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah, lauded the Saudi Cabinet’s decision to declare 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts, recognizing the cultural significance and creativity of the unique handicraft industry in Saudi Arabia. The initiative is in line with the National Culture Strategy under Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes national identity and Saudi culture as ambitious goals.
Prince Badr emphasized the importance of instilling pride in national identity and cultural elements, both tangible and intangible, through initiatives like the Year of Handicrafts. Saudi handicrafts, including textiles, pottery, clothing, beadwork, copper products, sewing, dyeing, blacksmithing, and jewelry making, reflect the creativity of Saudi society and have been passed down through generations. The government initiative also aims to boost the contribution of Saudi handicrafts to the local economy and raise awareness about their cultural, historical, civilizational, and economic significance.
The Year of Handicrafts initiative is a celebration of the essential cultural and artistic value of Saudi handicrafts, showcasing the talent of Saudi craftsmen to the global community. Through this initiative, the Ministry of Culture hopes to highlight the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia and promote Saudi handicrafts as a key aspect of national identity. By increasing the visibility of Saudi handicrafts both at home and abroad, the ministry seeks to support artisans and craftsmen in showcasing their creations and preserving traditional crafts for future generations.
In addition to promoting cultural pride and heritage, the Year of Handicrafts initiative aims to drive economic growth by increasing the contribution of Saudi handicrafts to the local economy. By raising awareness about the cultural, historical, civilizational, and economic significance of Saudi handicrafts, the government hopes to stimulate demand for these products both domestically and internationally. This, in turn, can create opportunities for artisans and craftsmen to expand their businesses, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall development of the handicraft industry in Saudi Arabia.
The Ministry of Culture’s focus on Saudi handicrafts and the Year of Handicrafts initiative align with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, promote cultural heritage, and support local artisans and craftsmen. By showcasing the creativity and talent of Saudi craftsmen, the ministry hopes to position Saudi Arabia as a hub for traditional crafts and artistic creations. Through initiatives like the Year of Handicrafts, the ministry is working towards preserving and promoting Saudi cultural heritage while also driving economic growth and fostering national pride in Saudi identity and heritage.
With the declaration of 2025 as the Year of Handicrafts, the Ministry of Culture is taking a significant step towards promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia. By highlighting the creativity and talent of Saudi craftsmen, the ministry aims to celebrate the unique cultural and artistic value of Saudi handicrafts and showcase them to the world. Through increased visibility and awareness, the ministry hopes to support local artisans, stimulate economic growth, and instill pride in Saudi national identity and cultural heritage.
