Madinah | 22 Muharram 1447 AH – July 17, 2025

The “Ithwaa” initiative emerged as one of the inspiring development models at the fifth Regional Development Experiences and Initiatives Forum, held at the King Salman Center for Exhibitions and Conferences in Madinah, with the participation of Jouf's regional emirate and a number of government bodies.

The initiative is considered one of the leading community programs in Jouf region, aiming to support and empower craftspeople and productive families through professional training and qualification programs grounded in the historical roots of traditional Saudi crafts, shifting craft practices from an informal, scattered activity into a sustainable, institutional and professional model.

A qualitative shift in craft training. Representatives of the Jouf regional pavilion at the forum said “Ithwaa” seeks to achieve a sustainable social and developmental impact in the Kingdom's northern regions by enriching craft training content and economically empowering women through organized training programs delivered by 21 certified trainers across various craft tracks, which have so far benefited 420 trainees, at a rate of 20 trainees per track.

The tracks cover a range of fields including weaving, palm-frond crafts, knitting, leatherwork, pottery and traditional engraving, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of Jouf region and helping pass this living heritage on to future generations using modern methods.

At a Glance

  • Retail outlets: the initiative has opened 6 sales points inside hotels and heritage and tourism sites across Jouf, alongside a mobile exhibition — a “craft caravan” — that tours the region to showcase local handicraft production and link it to cultural tourism.
  • Database: a detailed database of certified trainers and handicraft products is being built to boost microenterprise financing opportunities and raise beneficiaries' awareness of support and funding programs for productive families, widening the scope for economic sustainability.

A development contribution that reflects the regions' vision. “Ithwaa's” participation comes as part of the national drive to strengthen the developmental role of the regional emirates, showcasing best practices and community initiatives centered on empowering individuals and preserving cultural identity, and contributing effectively to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.