A group of 70 Saudi women from Al-Nahda Women’s Charitable Society, the Arts of Heritage Collection, will visit a number of European countries to show their skills and products.
The visit aims to open new markets for Saudi women’s handicrafts and traditional dresses.
“Craftswomen of Saudi Arabia are very distinguished, and possess a high level of professionalism and craftsmanship,” said Sumiah Bader, director of the society.
The handicraft pieces will be displayed at international exhibitions in Europe and the US in order to open marketing outlets for Saudi crafts and traditional products. “Our country’s heritage is comprehensive and diversified, combining many traditional products of other legacies of the Arabian Peninsula,” she explained.
She said that members of the society work hard to collect products and symbols of heritage from across the Kingdom. “We roam the country from north to south to collect heritage pieces,” she added. “Through assuring the proper maintenance of each product and compiling documentation and a proof of origin, each item will have a history. We will know how and why it was used,” she said.
A new collection of traditional dresses, bags, antiques, accessories and shoes is now ready for display, said Bader. “These are high-quality handmade products by Saudi craftswomen, and represent Saudi heritage for 2013,” she added, stressing that the dresses are inspired by Saudi heritage with a modern twist.
“The society, with the cooperation of SOAS University of London, conducts researches and compiles documentation on Saudi Arabia’s heritage so that all parties concerned can make use of it,” concluded Bader.
Saudi women to display skills in Europe
