Handicrafts in Saudi Arabia

Handicrafts in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are industries based on traditional manual activities or simple tools without modern machinery. They are crafted by a single artisan or a group of artisans using natural local materials and traditional methods, transforming them into products with various benefits that contribute to meeting the needs of society and tourists in Saudi Arabia.

The main handicrafts in Saudi Arabia

Handicrafts in Saudi Arabia include five main crafts: hand embroidery, al-Sadu, aromatic plant products, traditional sweets, and palm frond products. Approximately one-third of artisans in Saudi Arabia are engaged in these crafts, while the remainder is distributed across about forty-five other craft categories.

The artisan relies on their individual mental and manual skills, acquired through the development of their craft practice, whether through training or apprenticeship. Their handmade products reflect cultural values and embody the principles of sustainable development and human values, such as adaptability, innovation, and creativity.

The crafts of al-Sadu weaving in 2020 and al-Qatt al-Asiri in 2017 were included on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Al-Sadu weaving and the art of al-Qatt al-Asiri share the common feature of being crafted by Saudi women.

Al-Sadu weaving is one of the traditional handicrafts practiced by the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula in the past to meet the basic needs of society. It has become a representation of the Kingdom's cultural heritage, distinguished by its diverse designs, patterns, and colors.

Al-Qatt al-Asiri relies on depicting geometric and floral shapes using primary colors applied directly to the interior walls of living rooms, hallways, or any permanent and fixed surfaces. The base of al-Qatt is made of white gypsum, and geometric patterns are added manually and gradually along the length of the walls.

In 2019, the procedures for establishing the Professional Association for Saudi Artisans were completed. At that time, the number of registered artisans reached five thousand men and women. Makkah al-Mukarramah Province ranked first among the provinces of Saudi Arabia in the number of registered artisans, totaling 1,077, followed by the Eastern Province with 647 artisans, and then Riyadh Province with 603 artisans.

UNESCO defines handicrafts and manual industries as a "genuine expression of the living traditions of humanity, reflecting the three foundations of sustainable development and human values: adaptability, renewal, and creativity."

In the national context, the Saudi government developed and organized the concept of handicrafts within national events, starting with the National Festival for Heritage and Culture, Janadriyah, which showcased handicrafts as part of the country’s popular heritage. In the same context, King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) documented these crafts on-site during the festival in 2013.

In 2012, the Council of Ministers issued a decision to establish the National Handicrafts Program (Bari) and approved the National Strategy for the Development of Handicrafts and Manual Industries along with its five-year implementation plan. Among the mandates of the Bari program are issuing the necessary licenses for artisans to practice their craft and establishing a professional registry for artisans. In 2018, the Saudi Artisanal Company was established, owned by the Heritage Commission under the Ministry of Culture. The Bari Program was incorporated into the commission's activities.

An artisan hand-stitching a bisht. King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah)

Riyadh Province attracts the majority of handicrafts and manual industries in Saudi Arabia It is home to authentic crafts rooted in Najdi culture, such as al-Sadu weaving, the production of palm frond products, carpet making, and mud construction, exemplified by landmarks like al-Masmak Palace.

Handicraft products in the Eastern Province are a part of the province's heritage and identity. The province is known for a variety of traditional crafts, including Bishts, pottery, palm frond products, traditional sweets, and fishing nets and cages. The Hasawi Bisht is renowned as the most expensive among cloaks, although the prices of Bishts vary based on their craftsmanship, precision, fabric quality, and the type of zari threads used, ranging from SAR1,500 to SAR8,000. The Hasawi bisht is handwoven using fine, gold zari threads.

Additionally, al-Ahsa Governorate is distinguished by several traditional crafts, such as the production of Rawasheen, palm leaf rugs, and baskets. Most handicrafts, in general, can be categorized based on their sources into plant-based, animal-based, natural, and metal-based materials.

Jambiya and their crafting are among the handicrafts of Najran Province. (Saudipedia)

Najran Province is renowned as a hub for handicrafts, particularly leather industries, including Mizab and Mishrab, which rank second after the production of jambiya. The province is also known for palm frond crafts, pottery, soapstone products, as well as weaving and textile production.

The Aba al-Saud Historic Neighborhood in Najran Province stands out as a renowned market for crafting and maintaining jambiya. The production of jambiya is considered the most widespread handicraft in Najran Province, with locally made jambiya being the most expensive. Their prices vary significantly, ranging from SAR200 for the least expensive to SAR100,000 for the most valuable.

In Makkah al-Mukarramah Province, the craft of making tasbih beads is a prominent traditional practice passed down through generations. Most of the materials used in tasbih production are derived from various types of wood, with amber wood being the most expensive. The province, particularly through Taif Governorate, is also renowned for the craft of producing Taif rose fragrance and rosewater, coinciding with the agricultural season of Taraf, when farmers harvest the roses. This popular craft is carried out in simple workshops.

Handicrafts and manual industries in the four northern provinces of Saudi Arabia (Hail, al-Jawf, Northern Borders, and Tabuk) are seen as community activities that families engage in annually during various festivals, such as the Handicrafts and Industries Forum and Saudi National Day celebrations. Some of these crafts share similarities in their execution with traditional handicrafts.

Al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Province is home to various handicrafts, including pottery products, weaving and textile production (al-Sadu), embroidery and needlework, and tailoring of garments. The governorates of Khaybar, Badr, al-Hanakiyyah, and al-Mahd are renowned for crafting palm frond products and leather goods. Yanbu Governorate is known for sea-related crafts, such as wooden boat building and the production of fishing cages and nets.

Agricultural handicrafts are widespread in the south of Saudi Arabia due to the region's fertile agricultural nature. Artisans in southern provinces such as al-Bahah, Aseer, and Jazan often use traditional farming tools like the hoe and axe, as well as produce wooden, leather, and pottery products. Some artisans also focus on honey production, which is considered part of farming and agriculture. This craft is supported by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, alongside textile production and the practice of al-Qatt al-Asiri decorative art.

Qassim Province has long been known for its handicrafts and manual industries, alongside agriculture and trade. This prominence is attributed to several factors, including its fertile lands, flat geographical location, abundant water resources, and plentiful livestock. These factors provided access to raw materials from the natural environment. Additionally, the province benefited from skilled artisans, regular openings of traditional markets, and festivals and exhibitions, which facilitated the display and marketing of handcrafted products across the cities and outskirts of the province.

Handicrafts in Qassim Province include palm frond products, al-Sadu-related items, wooden products, and the carving of wooden bowls, cooking utensils, traditional wooden doors, and old windows. The province is also known for crafting hunting tools (al-Nabbata) and traditional farming tools such as Nasab al-Farouh and al-Masahi.