The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts "Warith" took part in the 2025 Dakar Rally, one of the world's most famous rally races, by creating a distinctive helmet design for the "Desert Storm" team, led by driver Badr Al-Hamdan. The initiative is part of the 2025 Year of Handicrafts events, with the institute highlighting traditional Saudi arts through a design inspired by the cultural and heritage diversity of the Kingdom's regions.

A Design Reflecting Saudi Identity

The helmet was decorated with intricate artistic engravings inspired by the Saudi cultural identity of each region the rally passes through. The engravings included:

  • Asiri Qatt art: with its geometric patterns and vivid colors, representing the Bisha stage.
  • Traditional Roshan art: with its distinctive wooden designs, representing the Al-Hanakiyah stage.
  • Sadu weaving art: reflecting Bedouin heritage, representing the AlUla stage.
  • Al-Hasa gypsum art: at the Hard and Shabaytah stages, showcasing traditional gypsum decorations.
  • Mud-brick construction art: at the Hail stage, representing the region's architectural heritage.
  • Najdi door carvings: at the Riyadh and Dawadmi stages, symbolizing generosity and hospitality.

A National Message With Global Reach

Warith's participation in this global event aims to strengthen national identity and showcase traditional Saudi arts to a wide international audience. The design reflects a message of civilization expressing the Kingdom's cultural diversity, and reinforces the standing of traditional Saudi crafts as part of the world's cultural heritage.

Warith: A Bridge Between Past and Future

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts "Warith" works to preserve and develop traditional Saudi arts, ensuring their continuity across generations. It also seeks to encourage local talent to learn these crafts and apply them in innovative ways that highlight Saudi cultural values and open new horizons for these arts in global markets.

Praise and International Attention

The design received widespread praise from Dakar Rally followers at both the local and international level, with the artistic engravings drawing public interest and turning the "Desert Storm" team's helmet into a distinctive artistic symbol in this year's race. The step reflects the Kingdom's vision of promoting cultural heritage as part of Saudi Vision 2030, and showcasing national identity on the international stage.