Riyadh — July 16, 2025

In a scene reflecting the depth of the Kingdom's heritage identity, the "Year of Handicrafts 2025" initiative is taking part in the Diriyah Dates Season, organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates from July 14-24, amid strong public turnout and wide interest in craft products linked to the palm tree, the enduring symbol of giving and sustainability in Saudi culture.

The participation features eight distinguished Saudi craftspeople showcasing their skills in traditional industries linked to palm trees and their by-products across the ages, presenting artistic pieces including ropes, palm-frond items such as baskets and bags, and multi-use fiber vessels — crafts derived from making full use of every part of the palm tree, from fronds and trunks to fine fibers.

Art Rooted in the Earth

Palm-frond weaving is among the most eye-catching crafts for visitors: dried and dyed palm leaves are used to make baskets for storing dates and handbags carrying an authentic heritage character reflecting the genuine Saudi spirit, while ropes are woven from fibers extracted from trunks, embodying the ancient philosophy of sustainability and recycling practiced by the people of the Arabian Peninsula for centuries.

A Heritage Presence at the Heart of an Economic Season

The Diriyah Dates Season serves as an ideal platform where craft arts meet one of the Kingdom's most prominent agricultural products, combining the economic value of dates with the authentic heritage of related crafts, boosting the presence of local products and opening new horizons for craftspeople to market their work and elevate it to the ranks of creative industries.

A National Strategy to Revive Crafts

The participation forms part of a series of initiatives stemming from the "Year of Handicrafts 2025," launched by the Ministry of Culture to strengthen the national presence of traditional crafts and provide display platforms at cultural, tourism and economic events, striking a balance between preserving and developing heritage in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Event organizers said the initiative helps build bridges between past and present by showcasing craftspeople's skills and helping them engage with a wider audience, strengthening the sustainability of this craft heritage and giving it a modern presence worthy of its authentic identity.