RIYADH: The handicrafts section at the Saudi pavilion, the guest of honor at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair, offers visitors a glimpse into the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage through a selection of traditional crafts representing its diverse regions.
Highlights include Sadu weaving, a renowned Bedouin craft known for its distinctive patterns and deep cultural significance, and Al-Bisht Al-Hasawi, a traditional Saudi garment celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship and association with prestigious occasions.
The display also features Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, a UNESCO-listed art form known for its vibrant colors and strong connection to the heritage of the Asir region, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
The handicrafts section features live demonstrations by artisans, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with traditional crafts and discover how these skills have been preserved across generations. It highlights Saudi handicrafts as a vibrant expression of the Kingdom’s cultural identity, authenticity, and diversity.
The Kingdom’s participation is organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission. The fair is being held until June 7 at the World Trade Centre.
Saudi Ambassador to Malaysia Osamah Al-Ahmadi visited the pavilion alongside Abdullatif Al-Wasel, CEO of the commission.
Al-Ahmadi toured the pavilion and reviewed its exhibits, which highlight the richness and diversity of Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape, as well as activities showcasing the Kingdom’s literary and creative dynamism.
The Saudi pavilion demonstrates the breadth of the Kingdom’s cultural landscape through an integrated program featuring panel discussions and poetry evenings with Saudi writers and intellectuals, alongside live Saudi performing arts presentations inside and outside the exhibition grounds.
The pavilion also features a manuscripts exhibition displaying historically significant Saudi manuscripts, a dedicated section for Saudi publications, and a heritage replicas section showcasing reproductions of key archaeological artifacts from the Kingdom.
It also includes a Saudi musical instruments section introducing traditional instruments, and a Saudi fashion section showcasing men’s and women’s attire from different regions of the Kingdom.
The film corner will showcase snippets of notable Saudi films. Visitors can also experience the traditional “Majlis” reception, inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List, representing Saudi heritage and hospitality.
Al-Wasel said Saudi Arabia’s participation provides an exceptional opportunity to introduce Malaysian and wider Asian audiences to the richness and diversity of Saudi culture.
