Saudi launches training programme for female artisans

A new training programme has been launched in Riyadh for female Saudi artisans to develop their products and services.

The National Handicraft Development Programme, entitled Bari, organised the training initiative to help female artisans in the kingdom’s capital learn more about designing and pricing their craft products.

Bari is a flagship programme of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), with the mandate to promote handicrafts in the kingdom by supporting local producers. The skill-based training programme to develop the capacity of female artisans in Riyadh is being held in partnership with the Turquoise Mountain Foundation (TMF) – a non-profit, non-governmental organisation run under the patronage of Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.

Quoted in local press, the director general of media relation at SCTH, Majed Al Sheddi, said that the training mainly focussed on the development of Al Kharazah craft techniques, with trainees also being given the opportunity to learn new techniques.

The partnership between SCTH and TMF is aimed at producing more handicrafts to be sold inside and outside the kingdom. An official agreement was signed at Al Ula during Prince Charles’ visit to Saudi Arabia in 2015. The agreement also aims to promote mutual cooperation for the development of heritage villages across the country.