Embroidery: A Time-Honored Craft Thrives in Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia

Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries.
Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries.
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Embroidery: A Time-Honored Craft Thrives in Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia

Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries.
Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries.

Turaif governorate in the Northern Borders Region of Saudi Arabia has long been renowned for its mastery of embroidery, an exquisite craft that dates back centuries, SPA said on Thursday.
This delicate art form, predominantly practiced by women, has become a primary means of creating aesthetically pleasing effects and unique textures on fabric surfaces through the use of decorative stitches, diverse threads, and a heritage passed down from one generation to the next.
Within this region, young girls eagerly learn the art of embroidery from older women, perpetuating a tradition that has become an indispensable part of the women's world. Whether embroidering essential household items, displaying their creations for sale, or offering them as cherished gifts, these skilled artisans bring life and beauty to their handcrafted pieces.
Um Hussein Al-Tarfawi, a seasoned practitioner of this craft for over five decades, attests to its ancient roots and the once-prevalent presence of embroidery in every household. Even in modern times, this timeless art continues to captivate numerous women.
For Um Hussein, devoting her free time to honing her embroidery skills is a testament to her dedication to preserving the rich heritage and protecting this exquisite folk art. She proudly imparts her knowledge to her daughters, recognizing that embroidery embodies the essence of Saudi identity, heritage, and history.
Fatima Khalid, another talented embroiderer, discovered her passion for this art form at a tender age. What began as a hobby soon transformed into a profession and a reliable source of income, thanks to the overwhelming demand for her meticulously crafted products.
Combining traditional embroidery techniques with contemporary approaches, Fatima skillfully wields needles and thread to create a harmonious fusion that appeals to the tastes of modern consumers. She emphasizes the growing trend among mothers who eagerly seek out traditional clothing adorned with intricate embroidery patterns, extending their appreciation to encompass various types of women's apparel and accessories.
In Turaif governorate, embroidery stands as a testament to the enduring allure of ancient crafts, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of women who continue to breathe life into this cherished art form. As these skilled artisans pass down their expertise while simultaneously adapting to contemporary influences, embroidery remains an enduring symbol of Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage.



Riyadh Art Unveils Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026

The exhibition site on Tahlia Street was strategically chosen for its historical legacy of innovation to provide a conceptual framework for the works. SPA
The exhibition site on Tahlia Street was strategically chosen for its historical legacy of innovation to provide a conceptual framework for the works. SPA
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Riyadh Art Unveils Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026

The exhibition site on Tahlia Street was strategically chosen for its historical legacy of innovation to provide a conceptual framework for the works. SPA
The exhibition site on Tahlia Street was strategically chosen for its historical legacy of innovation to provide a conceptual framework for the works. SPA

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City, via its Riyadh Art program, has launched the Tuwaiq Sculpture 2026 exhibition on Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia).

Open to the public from February 9 to 22, the exhibition showcases 25 new artworks themed "Traces of What Will Be," exploring transformation and urban renewal.

The sculptures were crafted during a live phase from January 10 to February 5, during which artists from 18 countries used local stone and recycled metals, allowing the public to witness the creative process firsthand.

The exhibition site on Tahlia Street was strategically chosen for its historical legacy of innovation to provide a conceptual framework for the works.

Overseen by a panel of international experts, the exhibition serves as an interactive cultural platform featuring workshops and panel discussions to foster community engagement.

All 2026 pieces will join Riyadh Art's permanent collection, which has hosted over 170 artists since 2019 and already installed more than 60 sculptures across the city to integrate contemporary art into Riyadh's urban fabric.


Syrian Culture Minister Applauds Saudi Pavilion at Damascus Book Fair

The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA
The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA
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Syrian Culture Minister Applauds Saudi Pavilion at Damascus Book Fair

The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA
The 2026 Damascus International Book Fair is held from February 6 to 16 - SPA

Syrian Minister of Culture Mohammed Yassin Saleh visited the Kingdom’s pavilion at the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair, held from February 6 to 16, where the Kingdom is serving as the Guest of Honor.

He commended the efforts of the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission in showcasing the rich diversity of the Saudi cultural and literary scene. The pavilion features exhibitions of manuscripts, a Saudi fashion corner, and archaeological replicas, SPA reported.

The minister reviewed the commission's Tarjim translation initiative and Saudi literature comics.

This participation at the 2026 Damascus International Book Fair showcases Saudi creativity and fosters cultural dialogue, supporting Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of knowledge exchange and cultural leadership.


Saudi Arabia, Syria Underline Depth of their Cultural Ties

Syrian President al-Sharaa receives the Saudi minister of culture and the accompanying delegation at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Thursday. (SPA)
Syrian President al-Sharaa receives the Saudi minister of culture and the accompanying delegation at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Thursday. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Syria Underline Depth of their Cultural Ties

Syrian President al-Sharaa receives the Saudi minister of culture and the accompanying delegation at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Thursday. (SPA)
Syrian President al-Sharaa receives the Saudi minister of culture and the accompanying delegation at the Conference Palace in Damascus on Thursday. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia and Syria underlined the strength of their cultural relationship during high-level meetings held in Damascus on Thursday, on the sidelines of the opening of the Damascus International Book Fair 2026, where the Kingdom is participating as guest of honor.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa received Saudi Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan at the Conference Palace in the capital.

Earlier the same day, Prince Badr met with his Syrian counterpart, Minister of Culture Mohammad Yassin Saleh, during an official visit to attend the fair. T

he Saudi minister congratulated Syria on hosting the exhibition and expressed his wishes for continued prosperity, progress, and stability for the Syrian government and people.

Both meetings highlighted the depth of cultural relations between the two countries, the importance of expanding joint cultural cooperation across various fields, and the alignment of positions on issues of mutual interest in a way that serves both nations.

The Saudi delegation included senior officials and advisers, among them representatives from the Royal Court, the Ministry of Culture, and the King Abdulaziz Public Library, reflecting broad institutional engagement in the visit.

In the evening, Prince Badr attended the opening ceremony of the fair’s special session, held under the patronage and in the presence of al-Sharaa. The event drew wide official and cultural participation, including Arab ministers, political and intellectual figures, and a distinguished group of writers and cultural figures.

In a post on the X platform, Prince Badr thanked “our brothers in Syria for their generous hospitality and their efforts in organizing the Damascus International Book Fair.”

The minister also inaugurated the Kingdom’s pavilion at the fair in the presence of the Syrian minister of culture and the Qatari minister of culture.

Saudi Arabia’s guest-of-honor participation continues until Feb. 16 and reflects its growing prominence and leadership in the Arab and global cultural landscape.

This participation aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which places culture at the heart of national development, viewing it as a space for dialogue, a bridge for civilizational communication, and a tool for strengthening ties among Arab peoples.

The Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is leading the Kingdom’s participation, highlighting the development of the cultural sector and reaffirming the central role of books as carriers of knowledge and awareness.

The Saudi pavilion boasts a comprehensive cultural program featuring intellectual seminars, poetry evenings, a manuscript exhibition, traditional Saudi fashion displays, hospitality corners, archaeological replicas, and performing arts that express the depth of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

On the sidelines of the visit, Prince Badr, accompanied by Minister Saleh, toured the National Museum of Damascus, which houses rare artifacts spanning prehistoric eras, ancient Syrian civilizations, classical and Islamic periods, as well as traditional and modern art.