Riyadh — 22 Jumada al-Awwal 1447 AH / 13 November 2025.

The first day of the third edition of the "Banan" Saudi International Handicrafts Week concluded this evening at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, organized by the Heritage Commission under the patronage of HRH Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, amid a large public turnout of families and lovers of heritage and traditional crafts.

The event drew a notable turnout of visitors who toured more than 400 pavilions by craftspeople from more than 40 countries, giving visitors the chance to explore the diversity of handicrafts around the world and discover rich cultural heritages spanning textile arts, ceramics, and wood and metal work, alongside live demonstrations allowing the public to watch pieces being crafted firsthand.

The Syrian pavilion drew notable attention from the early hours, receiving large numbers of visitors who admired its copper, wood and textile pieces reflecting the depth of Syria's rich heritage and history. The pavilion stood out for its Eastern artistic details, making it a prominent stop for visitors touring the exhibition.

On the event's stage, a series of documentaries produced by the Heritage Commission was screened, including "Shiraa," "Taybah," "Craft Residency in China," and "Al-Faw Archaeological Site." These screenings offered a rich visual experience highlighting the beauty of Saudi crafts and the cultural exchange links with participating countries.

The Chinese pavilion, this year's guest of honor, also drew wide interest, with craftspeople presenting live demonstrations of embroidery, silk-making, carving and pottery. The pavilion received a visit from Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Zhang Hua, who expressed pride in taking part, praising the event's organization and the Kingdom's role in supporting international cultural exchange.

This year's "Banan" coincides with the Year of Handicrafts 2025, as part of national efforts to support and empower craftspeople, preserve intangible cultural heritage, and strengthen the global presence of Saudi handicrafts, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the role of culture as a driver of development and quality of life.