Riyadh: The Artisans House in Jazan Region has revitalized traditional handicrafts nearing obsolescence due to modern technological advancements, preserving the region’s cultural wealth. This endeavor aligns with the Heritage Commission’s goal of developing the Saudi artisans’ skills and showcasing the aesthetic qualities and inherent authenticity of Saudi handicrafts through training.

According to Saudi Press Agency, thirty artisans are participating in a year-long program focusing on qa’aid making, taaqiyah weaving, and seashell crafts to reconnect with regional heritage. Under the guidance of specialized trainers, they learn traditional techniques and explore contemporary designs.

The program aims to bring back qa’aid making, a craft once vital for creating beds or chairs in old Jazan homes. Trainers help participants use palm fronds for traditional binding, while also helping them innovate contemporary commercial designs.

In men’s taaqiyah weaving, trainees master needlework with white thread to create traditional knitted hats. They also engage in seashell crafts, crafting unique items like bracelets, necklaces, ornaments, bags, and sculptures that highlight the marine theme.

The Artisans House empowers local youth to learn traditional crafts, becoming a hub for education and training in the region’s heritage crafts. This initiative supports passing down knowledge to future generations and is in line with The Year of Handicrafts 2025, aiming to preserve the craft’s identity and strengthen handicrafts as a vital part of Saudi identity and cultural heritage.