Banan, Saudi Arabia’s International Handcrafts Week, is back for its second edition, turning Riyadh’s Roshn Front into a hub for international craftsmanship. The event, which brings together over 500 artisans from 25 countries, is set to run until November 29. It serves as a testament to the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to preserve traditional craftsmanship while encouraging global cultural exchange. The exhibition, featuring a wide variety of stunning works, from textiles to woodcraft, has turned Riyadh into an energetic celebration of global artistry.
Visitors are welcomed by a stunning collection of unique pavilions, each offering an authentic glimpse into the cultural heritage of its respective nation. China’s presence is particularly notable, with five dedicated pavilions showcasing its long-standing craftsmanship traditions, including intricate textiles, embroidery, and finely crafted artefacts that span thousands of years of artistic history.
Live demonstrations bring the crafts to life, with artisans from Greece and Mexico sharing their time-honoured techniques. Greek craftsmen display their skill in metalwork and traditional textile creation, while Mexican artisans showcase indigenous techniques, such as intricate weaving and pottery-making, offering visitors a hands-on experience of these ancient arts.
The Middle East is also well represented, with Oman and Jordan offering rich, culturally significant exhibits. Omani artisans exhibit their famed silverwork, traditional textiles, and distinctive pottery, while Jordanian craftspeople captivate audiences with their masterful woodcarving, weaving, and intricate embroidery, all of which weave narratives of the region’s deep cultural roots.
A key feature of the exhibition is the contribution of the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, Saudi Arabia’s leading institution for preserving traditional crafts. The Institute plays a central role in the event’s educational aspect, offering daily workshops in Saudi crafts such as Sadu weaving and palm frond weaving. These workshops bridge the gap between traditional techniques and their contemporary applications, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of these cultural practices.
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, the event positions the Kingdom as a cultural epicentre while creating sustainable economic opportunities for artisans. With interactive spaces, including a dedicated children’s pavilion and an entrepreneurship platform, the exhibition ensures that these valuable skills are passed on to future generations, strengthening cultural preservation and encouraging innovative applications of traditional crafts.
For international visitors, Banan offers a unique opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia’s cultural richness, while also celebrating the universal language of craftsmanship. The event underscores the relevance of ancient techniques in today’s world, contributing to both the preservation of culture and the promotion of sustainable development.
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