Saudi Culture Ministry, King's Foundation Sign Cooperation Agreement to Participate in Year of Handicrafts 2025

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan. SPA
The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan. SPA
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Saudi Culture Ministry, King's Foundation Sign Cooperation Agreement to Participate in Year of Handicrafts 2025

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan. SPA
The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan. SPA

The Saudi Ministry of Culture has signed a cooperation agreement with The King's Foundation to participate in the Year of Handicrafts 2025 initiative through the Foundation's School of Traditional Arts.

The signing ceremony, which was held in the presence of Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, took place on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition (Banan), held at the Roshan Front in Riyadh.

The ministry was represented at the signing ceremony by Deputy Minister of Culture Hamed bin Mohammed Fayez, while the foundation was represented by the director of the King Charles School of Traditional Arts at The King's Foundation, Dr. Khaled Omar Azzam.

The agreement aims to revive and promote handicrafts in the Kingdom in 2025 through collaboration to prepare and implement training programs in the field of crafts in several Saudi regions. A key component of the agreement entails launching the "Regeneration of the Crafts of Saudi Arabia" program, which commences in early January 2025.
The School of Traditional Arts at The King's Foundation will develop a customized program and execute training initiatives focused on design and crafts, primarily to regenerate and renew Saudi craft traditions across different regions of the Kingdom.
The King's Foundation is a charitable, educational institution established in 1986 by Britain’s King Charles, formerly the Prince of Wales.
It aims to teach and demonstrate the principles of urban design and traditional architecture, highlighting the importance of prioritizing the people and communities at the center of the design process.
The Foundation's School of Traditional Arts places significant emphasis on traditional arts and skills through graduate programs and training courses in the creative artistic practice of these arts.
The agreement constitutes a strategic implementation of the Ministry of Culture's commitment to fostering international cultural exchange, which represents a core objective within the comprehensive National Culture Strategy under the framework of Saudi Vision 2030.
Through this agreement, the ministry seeks to support the Year of the Handicrafts 2025 activities by implementing targeted training and development programs in design and craftsmanship for Saudi artisans. This initiative falls under the ministry's broader efforts to enhance craft production across the Kingdom.



Dubai Culture Celebrates Emirati Creativity on 53rd Eid Al Etihad

The scheduled events reflect Dubai Culture’s commitment to enhancing the presence of heritage and instilling national identity in the hearts of the community, WAM
The scheduled events reflect Dubai Culture’s commitment to enhancing the presence of heritage and instilling national identity in the hearts of the community, WAM
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Dubai Culture Celebrates Emirati Creativity on 53rd Eid Al Etihad

The scheduled events reflect Dubai Culture’s commitment to enhancing the presence of heritage and instilling national identity in the hearts of the community, WAM
The scheduled events reflect Dubai Culture’s commitment to enhancing the presence of heritage and instilling national identity in the hearts of the community, WAM

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is organizing a series of interactive workshops, captivating performances, and cultural experiences inspired by the UAE's heritage and history across its cultural and heritage sites to celebrate the 53rd Eid Al Etihad, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Scheduled from 2nd to 4th December, these events reflect Dubai Culture’s commitment to enhancing the presence of heritage and instilling national identity in the hearts of the community, WAM said.

As part of the Eid Al Etihad celebrations, Al Safa Art and Design Library will host a series of artistic and musical performances on 29th November, along with workshops that showcase the creativity of local talent and highlight aspects of Emirati culture.

Visitors can join a ‘Dukhoon Making’ workshop to craft traditional incense by blending raw perfumes with other ingredients.

Additional activities include an Emirati flag-weaving session, Arabic calligraphy workshops, and henna design experiences rooted in UAE heritage.

Artist Hazem Kurdali will create a mural titled ‘Mural of Union: Zayed and Rashid,’ inspired by a historic image of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Chef Soumaya will offer visitors a memorable culinary journey, introducing them to the authentic flavors of Emirati cuisine.

From 2nd to 4th December, visitors to Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and Hatta Heritage Village are able to enjoy a variety of folkloric and musical performances presented by local troupes. Children will delight in entertainment tailored just for them, while families can taste an array of dishes offered by local restaurants and shops.

Meanwhile, Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest heritage museum, will light up in the colors of the UAE flag, creating a visually enchanting atmosphere. The museum will host a series of cultural and traditional activities, including interactive workshops inspired by local heritage. Visitors can engage in traditional crafts such as dukhoon and jewelry making, among other creative experiences.

Etihad Museum will come alive with vibrant celebrations honoring the UAE’s founding values, offering a dynamic mix of activities that highlight hospitality, unity, art and culture, tolerance, heritage and tradition, innovation, and sustainability. Guests will be immersed in the rich tapestry of Emirati heritage through interactive experiences, such as crafting intricate patterns inspired by Sadu weaving and a hands-on planting workshop symbolizing the UAE's commitment to sustainability and a greener future. Culinary enthusiasts may indulge in the art of Emirati hospitality by customizing traditional dates with a variety of toppings while exploring a selection of F&B kiosks with local and international delicacies.