Alwaleed Philanthropies and the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority Launch Craft Training Program for Local Community
Building on its commitment to community development and the preservation of national heritage, Alwaleed Philanthropies, chaired by HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, has launched a specialized training program titled “Handicrafts for the Local Community,” with executive oversight from the HERFAH Association.
The initiative forms part of the implementation of a cooperation agreement between the Foundation and the Authority, aimed at promoting sustainable development, empowering local communities, preserving national cultural heritage, and supporting environmental and volunteer efforts within the reserve.
The program seeks to empower women and strengthen their role within the reserve’s socio-economic and environmental ecosystem by training local female participants in professional woodworking techniques. It aims to transform their interest and natural talent in handicrafts into professional skills that enhance quality of life, promote self-reliance, and create pathways for sustainable economic growth.
In this context, HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Secretary General of Alwaleed Philanthropies, stated:
“This program reflects Alwaleed Philanthropies’ commitment to empowering women in local communities by developing their craft skills and transforming their talents into sustainable sources of income that enhance quality of life and foster self-sufficiency. We believe that supporting handicrafts connected to the reserve’s environment and heritage provides a practical pathway to strengthening the local economy and advancing sustainable development with tangible impact on families and communities.”
Al-Qahtani explained that the program was designed to equip trainees with the technical and professional tools required to compete effectively in the labor market and refine their ability to produce high-quality handicraft products. He highlighted that the Authority’s role extends beyond environmental protection and biodiversity conservation to building a model in which local communities are active partners in comprehensive development.
The five-day intensive program, totaling 15 training hours, integrates theoretical foundations with hands-on practice. It covers sustainable wood types, traditional carpentry tools, and advanced carving techniques inspired by the reserve’s heritage and natural landscape.
Designed by the HERFAH Association, the program adheres to high standards of quality and professional finishing in wood carving, ensuring market readiness and competitiveness of the final products. It also emphasizes occupational safety and the use of modern precision tools in woodworking, enabling participants to produce artisanal items such as incense burners and heritage-inspired boxes with commercial quality standards.
Through this initiative, the Authority aims to revive traditional crafts and reimagine them through a contemporary lens that supports the eco-tourism sector. The outcomes of the program are expected to form the foundation of a visual and commercial identity for local products, which the Authority plans to promote at national festivals and future retail outlets, thereby enhancing the economic value of the local community.
