A year named by the Council
The Council of Ministers approved naming 2025 the Year of Handicrafts on 17 September 2024, and the Ministry of Culture took charge of its delivery. The Minister of Culture, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, described handicrafts as a core part of national identity and cultural heritage.
The objectives belong to the National Culture Strategy: to empower Saudi artisans and support their production, diversify the cultural economy, raise awareness of craft professions and connect craftspeople with communities at home and abroad. The crafts named include pottery, brass, woodwork, dyeing, sewing, goldsmithing, jewellery-making and blacksmithing.
How the year was marked
On 1 January 2025 the ministry launched the year's online platform and visual identity, whose logo draws on wood, clay and leather. The same day a Handicrafts Hackathon opened registration for teams of three to five, on two tracks: sustainability and marketing, and design and production.
The Fashion Commission's Reviving Handicrafts in Saudi Fashion initiative drew 235 applicants; 25 reached the final stage, and the winning designs were shown at the Saudi Cup 2025. A virtual contest, Lens and Craft, invited 30-second films documenting traditional crafts, with a first prize of SAR 10,000.