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

Under the patronage of HRH Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, the third edition of the Saudi International Handicrafts Week "Banan" opened today, organized by the Heritage Commission at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, with the participation of more than 400 male and female craftspeople from more than 40 countries around the world, and with the People's Republic of China as this year's guest of honor.

This year's "Banan" coincides with the Year of Handicrafts 2025, as part of comprehensive national efforts to highlight handicrafts as an authentic element of Saudi cultural identity, and to strengthen their presence in the local and international creative scene, showcasing the depth, diversity and cultural richness of Saudi heritage.

The event aims to economically and culturally empower craftspeople, and strengthen their standing in the creative industries sector, alongside supporting avenues for international cultural exchange through the wide participation of craftspeople from around the world, helping exchange expertise and experiences in traditional crafts and arts.

The People's Republic of China is taking part with a distinguished pavilion showcasing examples of China's rich craft heritage, through live demonstrations of traditional arts with roots stretching back thousands of years, as part of deepening cultural relations between the Kingdom and China, and affirming both countries' commitment to expanding cultural and artistic cooperation within their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Saudi International Handicrafts Week "Banan" is one of the most prominent national initiatives embodying the Ministry of Culture and Heritage Commission's commitment to strengthening the presence of crafts and traditional industries, preserving intangible cultural heritage, and cementing its role in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which makes culture a fundamental driver of sustainable development and quality of life.