Sakaka: Under the patronage of Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the International Handicraft Forum kicked off on Saturday in Sakaka to foster connections between Saudi and global artisans.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Deputy Governor of Al-Jouf Region Prince Miteb bin Mishaal bin Badr bin Saud bin Abdulaziz inaugurated the forum on behalf of the governor, in the presence of Deputy Minister for Research and Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture Maha Al-Senan.

The two-day forum is taking place at the Al-Jouf Cultural Center. The event is organized by the ministry in cooperation with the Heritage Commission and the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth), as part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025 initiative.

The forum highlights the role of traditional crafts as a cornerstone of deep-rooted Saudi cultural identity, strengthens their presence in daily life, and encourages connections between Saudi artisans and their counterparts worldwide.

It also seeks to explore ways to increase the sector’s contribution to cultural tourism and the national economy.

The event brings together specialists, researchers, and artisans from Saudi Arabia and abroad, serving as a global platform to discuss contemporary issues in the handicrafts sector. It showcases the latest scientific studies in the field, supports innovation in traditional industries, and seeks to empower artisans while enhancing their economic participation.