Products by Asiri women in high demand at Abha fair

ABHA: Heritage and traditional pieces from all over the Kingdom took center stage at the Ram 2 fair, especially pieces from Jazan and Asir. The event, organized by the Abha Chamber of Commerce and Industry, saw the Asiri dress, Al-Khous, ceramic pots, incense and silver pieces and other heritage products.
Several women urged the organizers to extend the exhibition in Asir for 15 days and provide them with transportation and workshops for Asiri heritage where they could hone their skills and share experiences with others.
Zafaran Asiri said that she presented the Asiri dress and handicrafts. “People love this dress. It ranges from SR800-2,500, depending on whether it is hand-made or not. I need support for selling my products in mall so that I can have a good income to support my family,” she said.
Explaining that she gained considerable experience in marketing by taking part in events like Ram 2, she said: “It was helpful for us to know how to deal with clients, reach to a wider client-base in a quick time and identify the needs of people,” she said urging the bodies organizing the event to hold periodical fairs throughout the year and set specific areas for productive families.
Amna Adam Yasin said that there was high demand for her products made of wool, crochet and leather. She added that these events help them sell their products and sustain their family hoping that the event would extend longer so they can benefit more.
Um Faisal said that the heritage section is one of the most important corners of the Ram 2 fair. She added that many visitors come looking for heritage pieces to be showcased in their houses and declare their pride of the ancestors’ heritage and traditions. She also stressed the need for more training workshops.
The General Secretary of the Janub Women Charity Association, Mona Al-Braik, said that the organization was keen on developing the heritage product of productive families in the Asir region, stressing that the organization planned many training courses for women to meet their needs of acquiring certain skill sets.
She added that the training was in many fields to enable women to excel in making handicrafts including incense, traditional cooking and popular gifts industry heritage, Sadu, embroidered Asiri dress, as well as courses and workshops specializing in tissue industry, pottery and Khus.
She concluded by praising efforts of her Highness Princess Nora bint Mohammed who has focused on maintaining such courses to keep this popular tradition.