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Saudi Culture Minister Lauds Cabinet for Naming 2025 the 'Year of Handicrafts'

The Ministry of Culture logo
The Ministry of Culture logo
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Saudi Culture Minister Lauds Cabinet for Naming 2025 the 'Year of Handicrafts'

The Ministry of Culture logo
The Ministry of Culture logo

Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan has commended the Cabinet's decision to declare 2025 the "Year of Handicrafts,” acknowledging the significant cultural value handicrafts have had in Saudi culture for many years.

The move also highlights the creativity that sets the unique handicraft industry apart and showcases the talent of Saudi craftsmen to the global community.

Prince Badr expressed gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for their unwavering support for culture and arts.

Their patronage, he said, has elevated Saudi culture, solidified its roots and unique elements, and enabled the world to see the best of it.

"At the Ministry of Culture, we are working to instill pride in our national identity and all its associated cultural elements, whether tangible or intangible. This is one of the objectives of the National Culture Strategy, under Saudi Vision 2030, which has prioritized national identity and Saudi culture as ambitious goals," said Prince Badr.

He stressed that the "Year of Handicrafts" initiative will help celebrate this essential component of highly significant cultural and artistic value that is the cornerstone of national identity.

"Saudi handicrafts reflect the creativity of Saudi society, encompasses textiles, handicrafts, and artistic creations that have been passed down from generation to generation. These include pottery, clothing, beadwork, copper products, sewing, dyeing, blacksmithing, gold and jewelry making,” he added.

During the "Year of Handicrafts,” the Ministry of Culture will work to increase the visibility of Saudi handicrafts both at home and abroad, and enable Saudi artisans to display their creations at events and activities in the Kingdom and the world over.

The initiative also aims to increase the contribution of Saudi handicrafts to the local economy and to raise awareness about their cultural, historical, civilizational, and economic significance.

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Culture

Christie’s Launches First International Auction House in Saudi Arabia

A special installation work for the artist Ahmed Mater commissioned by Wadi AlFann in AlUla. (Christie's)
A special installation work for the artist Ahmed Mater commissioned by Wadi AlFann in AlUla. (Christie's)
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Christie’s Launches First International Auction House in Saudi Arabia

A special installation work for the artist Ahmed Mater commissioned by Wadi AlFann in AlUla. (Christie's)
A special installation work for the artist Ahmed Mater commissioned by Wadi AlFann in AlUla. (Christie's)

Christie’s auction house announced the appointment of Nour Kelani as General Manager in Saudi Arabia, tasked with overseeing services for local clients. This follows Christie’s acquisition of a business license to operate in the Kingdom, making it the first international auction house in the country.

Dr. Ridha Moumni, Chairman of Christie’s for the Middle East and Africa, explained that the primary motivation behind opening their first office in Saudi Arabia stems from the notable growth in arts, culture, and economies in the region in recent years. He noted that Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key player in this growth, “and in light of these unique developments, we decided to establish an office here.”

Speaking on the local art scene, Moumni said: “The artistic and creative landscape in Saudi Arabia has always been strong, as evidenced by the production of exceptional works that reflect the country’s local traditions and its social and cultural issues, which have earned a prominent place on the international stage of modern and contemporary art.”

“Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is witnessing a new contemporary art renaissance, led by Saudi artists who draw from the nation’s rich heritage and benefit from the support of various artistic initiatives, institutions, and networks,” he added.

Moumni also pointed out that this move follows the success of the exhibition featuring works by Saudi artist Dr. Ahmed Mater, recently hosted by Christie’s in London, as well as their active participation in the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale this year. He added: “We have been preparing for this step for some time.”

Asked whether Christie’s upcoming exhibitions will be limited to Riyadh, he responded: “Our General Manager for Christie’s in the Kingdom will operate from our office in Riyadh, which will serve as a base for us to serve our clients in Saudi Arabia. Our representatives will travel across the country, and we will announce our plans for events and exhibitions at the appropriate time.”

He continued: “We will maintain our efforts to raise awareness on Arab art through our international platforms and our 46 offices worldwide. This global presence allows us to further promote artistic talent from the region. We are constantly evaluating our initiatives and planning future exhibitions to highlight the diverse and dynamic voices in the art community, and we look forward to our plans for 2025 in Riyadh and London.”