Under the patronage of Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Heritage Commission, the activities of the "Saudi International Handicrafts Week" organized by the Heritage Commission were launched on Tuesday. They will last until June 12, state news agency SPA reported.
The event took place at Riyadh Front in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Culture and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Heritage Commission, Hamed bin Mohammad Fayez; the CEO of the Heritage Commission, Jasser Al-Harbash; and a gathering of local Arab and international experts and artisans.
The Deputy Minister of Culture delivered a speech at the ceremony in which he stressed the importance of the Saudi International Handicrafts Week in highlighting the creative artwork and craftwork, introducing the rich heritage of the Kingdom, and creating a platform to embrace craft skills and creations.
The Deputy Minister stressed that handicrafts could be described as economic and cultural projects, a field for job seekers and investment opportunities, and having an essential role in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening national identity.
The opening ceremony witnessed a special musical concert, a documentary film about ancient crafts, and the story of the handicrafts’ inheritance hundreds of years ago.
The Saudi International Handicrafts Week is held in an area of 18,000 square meters at Riyadh Front in a design inspired by the heritage and traditional architectural style. The event allows artisans to display and sell their works in 11 sections: metal, textile, palm, leather, wooden and pottery handicrafts, crafts of binding and gilding, ornaments and jewelry, and embroidered handicrafts.
The Saudi International Handicrafts Week opens its doors to visitors this week, from 4 pm to 11 pm, except for Wednesday, June 7, when it opens from 2 pm to 10 pm.
