CULTURE & HERITAGE
A guide to Saudi’s artisanal craft culture
Follow the story of Saudi arts and crafts, from the tales of ancient times to the cultural representations you see today.
Thanks to the work of the global craft preservation project Turquoise Mountain (founded in 2006 by His Majesty King Charles III to revive historic areas and traditional crafts), The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (TRITA) and local cultural organisations such as Art Jameel, craft centres, and a passionate new generation, there’s never been a better opportunity to explore the beauty of these ancient art forms. There are stories of making for practicality and later to preserve tradition, social aspects of art and craft, and master craftspeople passing their skills down through the generations.
Saudi’s traditional art and crafts can be traced back thousands of years and include intricate weaving, jewellery making, textiles, and painting. Saudi’s art and crafts represent so much of its people, so visiting is an ideal chance to learn more about these crafts, traditions, and the modern twists some young makers have applied to create businesses in today’s gift and hobby market.
Recognised on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, Arabic Calligraphy is an elegant form of expression based on the Arabic alphabet.
As one of the oldest scripts used to copy the Qu’ran, Kufic is an early and universal style of Arabic calligraphy. Calligraphy styles have evolved over the centuries, and include Dewani Calligraphy, seen in the 16th/17th centuries, and Riqa developed in the late 19th century.
From the World Record Lego Kufic Calligraphy piece in 2018 to the immersive art of newer artists, Calligraphy in Saudi today is an intriguing mix of modern and traditional. Look out for creative exhibits by local artists when in Saudi; thought-provoking work with a twist includes typographic portraits by Mohammed Bajubair, silk printing from Lulwah Al-Hamoud, and community projects to international exhibitions by Nasser Al Salem.
Perhaps one of the most recognisable of the ancient Saudi crafts, Sadu weaving originated in the Bedouin tribes, mainly in the central and northern desert regions, where women would use a multi-staged process to produce tents (Bait al Sadar) cushions, pillows, and adornments for camels. The raw materials of wool from sheep, camels, or goats go through a process of shearing, cleaning, spinning, and eventually weaving into the intricate patterns this craft is known for. Traditionally wool is dyed using natural desert ingredients such as henna and turmeric, then woven to reflect the desert environment or local tribal symbols. This is art in its purest, most natural form.
Today Sadu weaving is more of a hobby, or items may be sold at events and festivals. Arrt and cultural centres, such as Art Jameel or Fenaa Alawwal Culture Centre also hold exhibits or workshops to preserve this important part of Saudi cultural identity. For those wishing to learn this craft in Saudi, The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts in Riyadh offers classes.
Cultural references to jewellery-making date back to before Saudi existed, and include many jewels given as dowry to Bedouin Women. Gold and turquoise pieces were popular in the Najd central Highlands, while the north and east popularised silver jewellery and coral necklaces. Traditional Saudi jewellery evolved from basic techniques to produce Bedouin-inspired items, face veils, anklets, nose rings, and jewels for clothes and headwear. An interesting, little-known fact is that the thorns from Acacia trees were used to pierce molten drops of silver to make a hole in the middle in times gone by.
Learn more about modern and traditional techniques through the new Saudi International Craft Week workshops, or short courses via the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts in Riyadh and Jeddah, along with Jameel Art in Jeddah. Jewellery makers and designers can be seen selling in local Souqs, to higher-end stores and designer trade shows. Popular young designers have made the pages of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Vogue Arabia. Mixing contemporary design with cultural references, every piece has a meaning worth exploring on a visit to Saudi.
Over 200 years old, the heritage art of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri painting originated in the mountains of the Asir region of Southwest Saudi. The geometric shapes and patterns representing women, local culture and beliefs, were painted as murals by women in guest rooms and entrances to homes. This artistic form has evolved to include window frames, doors, canvas, and homeware items, and a growing number of male artists.
Thanks to the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts (SASCA), passionate local artists, tourist attractions, and representation at big Middle Eastern Expos, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the art form, and have a go themselves. Some of the best places to visit include Fatimah’s Museum of Aseeri Women’s Heritage in Abha, and the Rijal Almaa Heritage Village, Rijal Almaa. Learn the stories behind these paintings, and the inspiring work to preserve this colourful Saudi tradition.
One of the oldest traditional Saudi crafts, Palm Weaving, the art of drying and weaving together palm leaves, was introduced with a very practical purpose. Households would make floor trays to serve food, roofing material, floor mats, and baskets for storage. Local, national, and international organisations are working to preserve this heritage craft, seen today more as décor and souvenirs.
Palm weaving can be found across the Kingdom, but to truly learn from the experts, attend cultural events, or take part in a workshop, visit a place with art and craft at its core. In Southeast Saudi, you will find Al-Ahsa, a UNESCO Creative City, and there’s also AlUla, where you’ll find palm weaving workshops at Madrasat Addeera. They’re welcoming visitors to a project supported by Turquoise Mountain, a global scheme set up by King Charles III to revive traditional crafts.
Textiles and clothing are ingrained in Saudi culture and traditionally show the identity of the tribes and regions across the Kingdom. While the black abaya and white thobe are internationally known, Saudi dress goes beyond this to a world of leather and metal, coloured beads, gold and silver threads, and intricate embroidery.
Lighter fabrics are commonplace in hotter desert areas, with the mountainous regions opting for heavier textiles. Traditional costumes from the regions are celebrated on Saudi National Day and Founding Day, where you can see long-sleeved tunics and belts crossing the chest of Central region males, white occasion dresses from the Western region, and Jasmine garlands from Jazan.
For an immersive textile experience, wander any Souq across the Kingdom or check out cultural exhibits, such as the Hijazi bridal wear at Tayebat Museum in Jeddah, and the Textile Hall at the House of Islamic Arts dedicated to religious textile coverings. Al Malad Museum in Al Baha (also known as AlKhawayn or the Two Brothers Museum) has a wonderful range of local clothing which you can try on, along with a fascinating collection of local artifacts.
Many Saudi Heritage crafts have grown from having a practical use in everyday life, to a form of cultural identity, a business, and a way of providing authentic décor and souvenirs to pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. Woodworking is no exception.
Bedouin spoons, ornate window frames carved using ancient techniques, wooden panels, and boxes have all been preserved, with some items seeing a revival, thanks to projects supporting artisans and ancient crafts.
Walk the streets of Buraidah, Makkah, the Al-Ahsa (a UNESCO creative city), or the Al Balad district of Jeddah and you will find local artisans exhibiting and selling their wares or teaching visitors willing to learn. In Jeddah there are two locals of note who you can visit. Hassan (Instagram: @hassan1moh) specialises in woodworking and engraving, while Mohammed (Instagram: @al_emarah) is a carpenter and sculptor of wood. With the Angawi House Woodcraft Museum in downtown Jeddah and events such as Tanween Season of Creativity in Ithra, this ancient craft is front and centre in Saudi life.
Practical information
Visas
It’s surprisingly simple and easy to get an e-Visa for Saudi and the process is very similar to applying for an ESTA for the USA. Over 50 nationalities are eligible to apply for an e-Visa, including people from the UK and USA, with it costing (at the time of writing) 535 Saudi riyals (about £115 or US$143). Applications are swift and nearly all applicants will receive a response within three working days – most within 24 hours. To apply for your Saudi e-Visa, visit the official Saudi Tourism Authority website. If you’re from the USA, UK or the Schengen Area, you can also apply for a visa on arrival into Saudi. It’s slightly cheaper than an e-Visa, too, at SAR480 (about £102 or US$128).
Getting there & around
Local customs
To really embrace Saudi life and pay respect towards its traditions, there are a few local customs you should abide when travelling around the country. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their elbows and below their knees when out in public. If you’re heading to the coast, it’s still expected you dress modestly. When meeting and greeting locals, whether it’s a market stallholder or a private guide, say hello with ‘salam alaykum’, which means ‘peace be upon you’, as well as offering a handshake.
Weather
You might think it’s hot all year round in Saudi but it’s a little more nuanced than that. The best time to visit Riyadh is between October and March, when temperatures can dip as low as 20°C during the daytime and rarely exceed 30°C. Summer months in Riyadh can get extremely hot, with temperatures often above 40°C between June and September.
Is English spoken in Saudi?
Arabic is the official national language but English is widely spoken.
What is the currency of Saudi?
The currency of Saudi is the riyal, with the current rate (at the time of writing), around SAR4.76 to the UK£. You’ll need to pre-order money before you travel, as in the UK it’s not usually stocked in currency exchange booths.
What’s it like travelling in Saudi as a female?
We think you’d be surprised! To find out more, read our first-hand account on what it’s like to travel in Saudi.
What’s the time difference in Saudi?
Saudi follows Arabia Standard Time (GMT +3) all year round.
