As part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 initiative, the Saudi Ministry of Culture has launched the "Crafts Hackathon," a creative gathering that seeks to bring together craftspeople and innovators from various fields to develop innovative solutions for the handicrafts sector, with a focus on sustainability, marketing, design and production. Registration remains open online through January 31, 2025.

Tracks and Participation Details

The "Crafts Hackathon" targets craftspeople, designers, programmers and developers, under the following criteria:

  • Teams of 3 to 5 people.
  • Participants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Entrants take part in one of two main tracks:
    1. Sustainability and marketing: developing modern marketing strategies that support the sector's sustainability and expand the reach of craft products.
    2. Design and production: bridging the gap between initial design and practical execution through innovative solutions.

Hackathon Timeline

  • Registration: through January 31, 2025.
  • Idea screening and selecting finalists: early February 2025.
  • Training camp: February 14-15, 2025.

Hackathon Goals

  • Strengthen the sustainability of the handicrafts sector.
  • Open new markets through innovative marketing solutions.
  • Enhance the integration between design and production to ensure product quality.

A Symbol of Authenticity and Culture

Through the Year of Handicrafts 2025, the Ministry of Culture aims to highlight the importance of handicrafts as part of Saudi cultural heritage, strengthen their economic and social value, and support the craft community in line with Saudi Vision 2030.