New community initiative brings Saudi artisans together for ‘Year of Handicrafts’

Nermeen Alnaimi, an artisan at TRITA is an instructor for jewelry-making and designing, but came to the inaugural Wrth event to attend talks and participate in a wood-carving workshop. (Supplied)
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Nermeen Alnaimi, an artisan at TRITA is an instructor for jewelry-making and designing, but came to the inaugural Wrth event to attend talks and participate in a wood-carving workshop. (Supplied)
New community initiative brings Saudi artisans together for ‘Year of Handicrafts’
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Silversmiths Ayat Dhahi and Revan Abdulsabour shared their expertise on sculpting and formation, from design to implementation, while others like Sculptor Helwa Alatawi shared her success story turning a passion into a career and Jewelry Designer Rughad Alhogail chimed in with her entrepreneurial experience of taking local crafts to international markets. (Supplied)
New community initiative brings Saudi artisans together for ‘Year of Handicrafts’
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Workshops at the Wrth Community event explored traditional engraving modeling methods, their use in the manufacture of innovative products, and employing traditional engravings in contemporary arts. (AN Photo Abdulrhman Bin Shalhuob)
New community initiative brings Saudi artisans together for ‘Year of Handicrafts’
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The Royal Institute for Traditional Arts (TRITA) launched its “Wrth Community” series on Saturday with a packed day of entrepreneurial and educational workshops and discussions with inspiring figures in the handicrafts field. (AN Photo Abdulrhman Bin Shalhuob)
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Updated 08 January 2025
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New community initiative brings Saudi artisans together for ‘Year of Handicrafts’

New community initiative brings Saudi artisans together for ‘Year of Handicrafts’
  • Workshops held for aspiring artisans and crafters
  • Events will be held throughout the year

RIYADH: The Royal Institute for Traditional Arts launched a new community initiative on Saturday with a packed day of workshops and discussions with inspiring figures in the handicrafts field.

As 2025 kicks off with the Ministry of Culture labeling it the “Year of Handicrafts,” Wrth aims to bring a sense of camaraderie to artisans and aspiring crafters with its “Wrth Community,” which will host several events through the year.  




The Royal Institute for Traditional Arts will bring a sense of camaraderie to artisans and aspiring crafters with Wrth Community. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

Nermeen Al-Naimi, an artisan at Wrth, told Arab News: “Today, the community of Wrth started, so that’s very good for artisans because we are looking for somewhere we can belong.

“Wrth is the place we belong now with this community, it’s more like a second house for us because we exchange experiences, we exchange techniques and tools and stuff like that. It’s a growing kind of family, so we’re happy that they made this step today, and we’re grateful.”




The Royal Institute for Traditional Arts will bring a sense of camaraderie to artisans and aspiring crafters with Wrth Community.
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

The six-hour event brought artisans at various levels and from various crafts together for a day of engagement through workshops on traditional crafting with wood, metals, clay, and stones.

Silversmiths Ayat Dhahi and Revan Abdulsabour shared their expertise on sculpting and formation, from design to implementation, while others, such as sculptor Helwa Al-Atawi, shared success stories of turning a passion into a career.




Jewelry Designer Rughad Alhogail chimed in with her entrepreneurial experience of taking local crafts to international markets during a discussion. (Supplied)

Jewelry designer Rughad Al-Hogail weighed in with her entrepreneurial experience of taking local crafts to international markets.

Al-Naimi is an instructor for jewelry manufacture and design, but came to the inaugural Wrth event as a student, signing up for a wood-carving workshop that allows participants to identify the types of traditional engravings in the Najd region, and producing a wooden coaster using the technique with a copper inlay.




The six-hour event brought in artisans at various levels and crafts together for a day of engagement through workshops on traditional crafting with wood, metals, clay, and stones. (Supplied)

“I decided to go back to wood because I did clay before, and I did metals before, so I wanted to incorporate wood in my designs …

“It has metal in it, so, the experience was amazing because I use metal combined with wood, combined with a little bit of this technique.”




Workshops at the Wrth Community event explored traditional engraving modeling methods, their use in the manufacture of innovative products, and employing traditional engravings in contemporary arts. (AN Photo Abdulrhman Bin Shalhuob)

Other workshops explored traditional engraving methods, their use in the manufacture of innovative products, and employing traditional engravings in contemporary art.

Al-Naimi works as a personal branding consultant, and part of her job is to help individuals realize their hopes and connect with ways to energize themselves.




Workshops at the Wrth Community event explored traditional engraving modeling methods, their use in the manufacture of innovative products, and employing traditional engravings in contemporary arts. (AN Photo Abdulrhman Bin Shalhuob)

“One of the things that makes me happy is working with my hands. So working with metal, with wood, it’s all a stress relief. Plus you make something beautiful.”

Al-Naimi joined Wrth about two years ago, working with metals, but quickly found that it was more than just a space to create.

“Here at the Royal Institute, it’s support all the way — for the trainers, for the products; they have an online store now,” she said. Here students’ creations are up for sale at the physical location and online, creating profitable opportunities for aspiring and established artisans.

Wrth Community aims to lead the revival and development handicrafts, linking them to modern design and technology, enhancing the participation of institutions and the local community to highlight the importance of traditional arts in defining cultural identity, while also equipping people with ways to create traditional arts in today’s market.

Wrth Community provides opportunities for artisans to meet, exchange knowledge and enhance personal and professional skills with a focus on education, crafts, entrepreneurship, and dialogue sessions. By creating a supportive environment, Wrth hopes to stimulate talent and creative individuals to learn and practice traditional arts and crafts.

Wrth is a pioneering organization that highlights the national identity and enriches Saudi traditional arts locally and globally, promoting them and recognizing pioneers in the fields of traditional arts. This contributes to the preservation of traditional arts by supporting national capabilities and talents while encouraging those interested in learning, mastering and developing them.

 


Saudi Arabia, Argentina discuss strengthening ties in Riyadh meeting

Saudi Arabia, Argentina discuss strengthening ties in Riyadh meeting
Updated 13 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia, Argentina discuss strengthening ties in Riyadh meeting

Saudi Arabia, Argentina discuss strengthening ties in Riyadh meeting
  • Reviewed key regional and international developments; exchanged views on global diplomatic efforts

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan welcomed Gerardo Werthein, his counterpart from Argentina, at the ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their meeting, the two ministers discussed avenues to enhance relations between the Kingdom and Argentina, as well as exploring opportunities to expand joint cooperation in various fields, SPA added.

They also reviewed key regional and international developments and exchanged views on global diplomatic efforts, reflecting both nations’ commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic ties while addressing shared international challenges.

The reception was also attended by Saud Al-Sati, undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs.


‘Countryside Winter’ festival in Madinah draws more than 7,000 visitors

‘Countryside Winter’ festival in Madinah draws more than 7,000 visitors
Updated 09 February 2025
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‘Countryside Winter’ festival in Madinah draws more than 7,000 visitors

‘Countryside Winter’ festival in Madinah draws more than 7,000 visitors
  • Event highlights local agriculture and boosts rural economy
  • Festival part of effort to improve quality of life in the region

MADINAH: More than 7,000 visitors attended the “Countryside Winter” festival in Madinah, organized by Reef Saudi, the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, to highlight local agricultural and heritage products while boosting the rural economy.

The three-day event set out to promote rural tourism and show off the authentic rural charm of different regions in Saudi Arabia. It attracted families and individual visitors, with a significant turnout from locals and tourists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival reflects the growth of rural tourism in Madinah, according to Reef Saudi spokesperson Majed Al-Buraikan, who said that it had 22 program beneficiaries participating to present a range of products.

These included fresh fruit, natural honey, aromatic oils, and traditional handicrafts, all representing the region’s heritage.

Visitors enjoyed cultural performances, traditional games, and interactive displays of handicrafts and sustainable farming practices, providing an immersive experience for all age groups.

Al-Buraikan said that the strong turnout highlighted the community’s interest in supporting local products, contributing to the economic sustainability of rural communities and enhancing the quality of local production.

He added that each booth at the festival showed a success story, reflecting Reef Saudi’s ongoing efforts to empower small farmers and artisans through training in modern agricultural techniques.

Reef Saudi continues to strengthen the rural economy by supporting small-scale farmers and producers while providing marketing platforms to increase awareness and expand opportunities for local products, he said.

The event is part of wider efforts to boost the local economy and improve living standards in Madinah under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

On Wednesday, officials from the Madinah Region Development Authority said that quality of life, the economy and culture were improving, and that they aim to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.


KSrelief continues global humanitarian works

KSrelief continues global humanitarian works
Updated 09 February 2025
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KSrelief continues global humanitarian works

KSrelief continues global humanitarian works

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continues its global humanitarian works with recent initiatives ranging from the provision of shelter kits to the delivery of dates in some countries.

At the Samoun Camp in the Al-Shihr District of Yemen’s Hadhramaut governorate, the aid agency distributed emergency shelter kits to displaced people amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

In Bangladesh, KSrelief 500 food boxes as part of a larger initiative to provide food to those affected by floods and cyclones in the country.

In Pakistan, 4,450 winter kits were distributed in several districts in the Sindh, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces as part of KSrelief’s efforts to support countries and communities around the world.

KSrelief also delivered 25 tonnes of dates Sierra Leone and 25 tonnes of dates to Cambodia as a gift from Saudi Arabia.


Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu’s remarks on displacing Palestinians

Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu’s remarks on displacing Palestinians
Updated 09 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu’s remarks on displacing Palestinians

Saudi Arabia rejects Netanyahu’s remarks on displacing Palestinians
  • Kingdom reiterates the right of Palestinian people ‘will remain firmly established and no one will be able to take it away from them’
  • Lasting peace will only be achieved by ‘returning to the logic of reason and accepting the principle of peaceful coexistence,’ it adds

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday reiterated its categorical rejection of statements regarding the displacement of the Palestinian people from their land, particularly those made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it rejected “such statements that aim to divert attention from the continuous crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian brothers in Gaza, including the ethnic cleansing they are subjected to.”

The ministry likewise expressed its appreciation of the “condemnation, disapproval and total rejection announced by the brotherly countries” regarding the Israeli leader’s comments.

“The Kingdom also points out that this extremist, occupying mentality does not understand what the Palestinian land means to the brotherly people of Palestine and their emotional, historical and legal connection to this land, and it does not think that the Palestinian people deserve to live in the first place, as it has completely destroyed the Gaza Strip, killed and injured more than 160,000, most of them children and women, without the slightest human feeling or moral responsibility,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said.

“The Kingdom affirms that the Palestinian people have a right to their land, and they are not intruders or immigrants to it who can be expelled whenever the brutal Israeli occupation wishes.

 

 

“The Kingdom notes that the proponents of these extremist ideas are the ones who prevented Israel from accepting peace by refusing peaceful coexistence, rejecting the peace initiatives adopted by the Arab countries, and systematically practicing injustice toward the Palestinian people for more than 75 years, with disregard to the truth, justice, law and the values established in the United Nations Charter, including the human’s right to live in dignity on his land,” the statement added.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry also reiterated that the right of the Palestinian people “will remain firmly established and no one will be able to take it away from them no matter how long it takes.”

It added lasting peace would only be achieved by “returning to the logic of reason and accepting the principle of peaceful coexistence through the two-state solution.”

Egypt earlier condemned as “irresponsible” statements by Israeli officials suggesting establishing a Palestinian state on Saudi territory, with its Foreign Ministry emphasizing that the suggestion was a “direct infringement of Saudi sovereignty.” It added that the Kingdom’s security was a “red line for Egypt.”

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry described the Israeli remarks as “inflammatory and a clear violation of international law, relevant UN resolutions and state sovereignty.”

Spokesperson Sufian Qudah criticized what he described as Israel’s continued provocative policies and rhetoric, stressing that such statements reflect an exclusionary and hostile approach that undermines regional stability, Petra reported.

Jordan, he added, stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia against these statements, urging international actors to take a firm stance against irresponsible rhetoric that threatens peace efforts.

The UAE also strongly condemned and denounced Netanyahu’s “reprehensible and provocative” statements regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia and “affirmed its categorical rejection of these unacceptable statements.”


Saudi Arabia reiterates rejection of Israeli comments on displacement of Palestinians from their land

Saudi Arabia reiterates rejection of Israeli comments on displacement of Palestinians from their land
Updated 09 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia reiterates rejection of Israeli comments on displacement of Palestinians from their land

Saudi Arabia reiterates rejection of Israeli comments on displacement of Palestinians from their land
  • Kingdom appreciates ‘condemnation, disapproval and total rejection of brotherly countries’ toward Israeli statements
  • Egypt, Jordan, Gulf states and GCC all issued statements

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday reiterated its categorical rejection of statements regarding the displacement of the Palestinian people from their land, particularly those made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it rejected “such statements that aim to divert attention from the continuous crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian brothers in Gaza, including the ethnic cleansing they are subjected to.”

The ministry likewise expressed its appreciation of the “condemnation, disapproval and total rejection announced by the brotherly countries” regarding the Israeli leader’s comments.

“The Kingdom also points out that this extremist, occupying mentality does not understand what the Palestinian land means to the brotherly people of Palestine and their emotional, historical and legal connection to this land, and it does not think that the Palestinian people deserve to live in the first place, as it has completely destroyed the Gaza Strip, killed and injured more than 160,000, most of them children and women, without the slightest human feeling or moral responsibility,” the Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said.

“The Kingdom affirms that the Palestinian people have a right to their land, and they are not intruders or immigrants to it who can be expelled whenever the brutal Israeli occupation wishes.

“The Kingdom notes that the proponents of these extremist ideas are the ones who prevented Israel from accepting peace by refusing peaceful coexistence, rejecting the peace initiatives adopted by the Arab countries, and systematically practicing injustice toward the Palestinian people for more than 75 years, with disregard to the truth, justice, law and the values established in the United Nations Charter, including the human’s right to live in dignity on his land,” the statement added.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry also reiterated that the right of the Palestinian people “will remain firmly established and no one will be able to take it away from them no matter how long it takes.”

It added lasting peace would only be achieved by “returning to the logic of reason and accepting the principle of peaceful coexistence through the two-state solution.”

Egypt earlier condemned as “irresponsible” statements by Israeli officials suggesting establishing a Palestinian state on Saudi territory, with its Foreign Ministry emphasizing that the suggestion was a “direct infringement of Saudi sovereignty.” It added that the Kingdom’s security was a “red line for Egypt.”

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry described the Israeli remarks as “inflammatory and a clear violation of international law, relevant UN resolutions and state sovereignty.”

Spokesperson Sufian Qudah criticized what he described as Israel’s continued provocative policies and rhetoric, stressing that such statements reflect an exclusionary and hostile approach that undermines regional stability, Petra reported.

Jordan, he added, stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia against these statements, urging international actors to take a firm stance against irresponsible rhetoric that threatens peace efforts.

The UAE also strongly condemned and denounced Netanyahu’s “reprehensible and provocative” statements regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia and “affirmed its categorical rejection of these unacceptable statements.”

Jassim Al-Budaiwi, the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, on Sunday condemned the Israeli statements, describing them as “dangerous and irresponsible.”

He noted that the GCC countries strongly supported Saudi Arabia’s advocacy for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and the establishment of a Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders.

Al-Budaiwi urged the international community to take a “serious and decisive” stand against aggressive Israeli statements that threaten the security and stability of the region.

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs also rejected Netanyahu’s statements and expressed its support for Saudi Arabia in defense of its stability and sovereignty.

Bahrain said that these Israeli comments were “irresponsible,” and the suggestion of establishing a Palestinian state on Saudi territory was “a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter.”

The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that Manama was fully supportive “of the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and stands by its security, stability, and sovereignty.”

It added that preserving the rights of Palestinians and preventing their displacement from their lands, alongside establishing a Palestinian state, was the only path to a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

Qatar also condemned Netanyahu’s comment suggesting establishing a Palestinian state inside Saudi territory, the Qatari foreign ministry said in statement.

Qatar, a key mediator in Gaza ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel, described Netanyahu’s statement as “provocative.”

with Reuters