The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has set up “Handicraft Center,” a permanent training institute to promote and preserve local handicrafts.

Dr. Ali Al-Anbar, general supervisor of Bari or National Program for Handicraft Development, said: “The Handicraft Center, which was established under Bari supervision, is one of the most important centers established by the SCTA to develop and preserve local handicrafts and traditional industries in the Kingdom.”

The center’s objective is to train artisans and develop their technical besides arranging interactive meetings with experts in the field. The Handicraft Center also aims to help artisans display and market their products.

“The center has so far attracted 62 women, out of whom 31 are artisans, six supervisors and 25 trainees. They have different educational levels and are from different age groups,” Al-Anbar said.

The Handicraft Center consists of a number of specialized departments that pursue different types of crafts like knitting, Al Sido weaving, tailoring, embroidery, beads, pottery, ceremics and works in fronds.

Al-Anbar said the center is part of SCTA’s efforts to preserve and promote the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, specialy in the field of handicrafts from different parts of the Kingdom. The SCTA, through the Handicraft Center, aims to encourage charities and voluntary committees that work in the fields of handicraft, he said.

“The SCTA also aims to involve the private sector and other segments of different communities in the Kingdom in the project ,” Al-Anbar said, adding that Bari provides a number of services for artisans through the Handicraft Center, including cultural activities and events related to the development and preservation of crafts through workshops and educational events.

The center is located within the the mud houses of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Murabba district in the Kingdom’s capital.