Alwaleed Philanthropies: Enhancing Handicrafts and Preserving Cultural Heritage in the "Year of Artisans" 2025

In Saudi Arabia, handicrafts are more than just practical items—they embody the country’s history and identity. These crafts preserve the emotional and cultural heritage of the region, passing down stories, values, and art across generations. They are an essential part of the kingdom’s legacy, connecting the present to a storied past.

Artisans are the key guardians of the kingdom's cultural heritage. They preserve traditional techniques, ensuring the prosperity of crafts such as leatherworking, pottery, and weaving. Each handcrafted piece is a direct link to the history and values of Saudi Arabia, offering not only beauty but also a deeper understanding of its cultural identity.

The regions of Saudi Arabia are known for their diverse handicrafts that reflect their local cultures. In Asir, the region is famous for its Asiri art and pottery. Makkah Al Mukarramah is renowned for its wicker work and daggers, while Riyadh is known for its Sadu weaving and silver crafts. Najran is distinguished by its pottery and jewelry, and Al Madinah Al Munawwarah by its silverwork and woodcrafts. Al-Qassim is famous for its pottery and date production, while Jazan is known for its traditional clothing and wicker crafts. In Tabuk, one can find pottery, while Ha'il is recognized for its Sadu weaving and khanjars. The Northern Borders are famous for pottery and leather crafts.

Asiri art has been included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, highlighting the cultural and artistic value of this traditional craft. Asiri art is known for its wall decorations, using natural colors and geometric patterns that reflect the culture of the Asir region. This art form has been practiced for centuries and is considered an integral part of the region’s cultural identity. UNESCO’s recognition of Asiri art contributes to preserving this heritage and passing it on to future generations.

The "Year of Artisans" provides important economic opportunities, especially in rural areas. By supporting local artisans—particularly women and youth—Saudi Arabia offers opportunities for them to showcase their work on a global stage, enhancing economic independence and elevating traditional crafts. Through these opportunities, the kingdom empowers communities and ensures the flourishing of its crafts in the modern world.

For over 45 years, Alwaleed Philanthropies has played a central role in supporting and developing handicrafts, leading efforts to preserve national cultural heritage while expanding it to a global scope. The foundation aims to provide a sustainable platform for showcasing handcrafted works that represent authenticity and local identity, ensuring these creations reach new markets and receive the recognition they deserve on both regional and international levels.

Alwaleed Philanthropies’ efforts are based on several key pillars, with women’s empowerment at the forefront. The foundation focuses on supporting female artisans by providing training, mentorship, and resources to develop their skills. It also seeks to provide them with opportunities to showcase their products on global platforms, contributing to their economic and social empowerment.

Through these initiatives, Alwaleed Philanthropies is breaking down barriers that may limit women’s ability to thrive and innovate in the field of handicrafts. The foundation also aims to raise awareness of the important role women play in preserving cultural heritage and promoting their involvement in traditional crafts, contributing to the sustainability of these arts for future generations.

This ongoing commitment from Alwaleed Philanthropies to support handicrafts extends beyond economic aspects, encompassing social and cultural dimensions. These initiatives are part of a broader vision aimed at improving community life and fostering cultural exchange between different people and cultures. In 2017, Alwaleed Philanthropies, in collaboration with Turquoise Mountain, launched an outstanding initiative focused on training Saudi women artisans through specialized development programs aimed at empowering women and contributing to community development. This partnership has resulted in the production of high-quality products.

Alwaleed Philanthropies launched a comprehensive development program aimed at enhancing the skills of artisans through specialized training courses. The goal is to develop their skills, expand their knowledge, unleash their creative potential, and revitalize the traditional crafts that are unique to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while preserving its heritage. Additionally, the program fosters creativity through collaboration with a group of committed partners to ensure its success. The four workshops are located at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, and the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh serves as a platform for showcasing high-end, luxurious artisanal creations. The project also collaborates with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture - the General Authority for Heritage, and works with prestigious fine dining restaurants to provide artisans with opportunities to showcase their creations.

In 2023, the total number of artisans participating in the Alwaleed Philanthropies workshops reached 80, with 20 artisans in each workshop. Their dedication and commitment led to the completion of 1,715 impressive training pieces that reflect the meticulous craftsmanship and dedication of these talented women. It is also worth mentioning that the project saw the production of 150 art pieces, including wooden boxes and 150 ceramic cups, as gifts for the guests of the Four Seasons Hotel. Special sculptures were also completed and displayed at the hotel. Additionally, the foundation was invited to be a strategic partner with the Heritage Authority at the "Banan" exhibition, where the artisans' production pieces were displayed and sold. With the significant development of our artisans and the growing demand for our products, we decided to take the work of Alwaleed Philanthropies artisans global by launching "House of Arabia".

"House of Arabia" aims to blend the culture of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries with luxury handicrafts. By collaborating with local artists, "House of Arabia" produces exceptional pieces that reflect the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. This brand fuses traditional techniques with modern design, offering exclusive products such as leather, wood, ceramics, and candles—all crafted from local materials. "House of Arabia" not only celebrates handicrafts but elevates them to the global stage, displaying its creations at international exhibitions, including those in London. By bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, the brand offers a fresh perspective on Arab culture, ensuring the celebration and preservation of Saudi handicrafts. Through this, "House of Arabia" fosters a deep global appreciation for Saudi and Arab culture, where creativity meets tradition.

"Year of Artisans" celebrates the rich history of the Kingdom and the future of its handicrafts. By promoting artisans on a global level, Saudi Arabia ensures that their work will continue to inspire future generations, blending tradition with modern creativity, and deepening the understanding of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage. Through initiatives like "House of Arabia," Saudi Arabia demonstrates how to preserve heritage while embracing innovation for a sustainable future.

Through initiatives such as "House of Arabia," Alwaleed Philanthropies demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing innovation. "Year of Artisans" is more than just a celebration of the past; it is a pledge to a prosperous and dynamic future, where Saudi handicrafts shine as a beacon of culture, creativity, and innovation on the global stage.

In 2025, as the Kingdom celebrates its artisans, we affirm our dedication to preserving our unique cultural identity, while empowering women to lead in the world of handicrafts and evolving creativity.