Just wander through a Saudi souq, and you will find yourself surrounded by living heritage from woven baskets that whisper family stories, hand-carved incense burners rich with scent and symbolism, intricate art echoing the past, and pottery shaped by hands that remember.
This April, from the 16th to the 23rd, these traditions and Saudi crafts take center stage as World Heritage Day 2025 in Saudi Arabia shines a national spotlight on handicrafts as the theme of the year
This year, the Kingdom is dedicating an entire celebration to the makers behind the magic. Under the banner of the Year of Handicrafts, Saudi Arabia is rolling out festivals, exhibitions, workshops, and community events that bring heritage into daily life. Whether you’re visiting a UNESCO site, exploring a local market, or joining a hands-on workshop in the Laysen Valley, there’s no better time to be moved by Saudi culture.
The Soul in the Stitch – A Year for Saudi Handicrafts
To mark World Heritage Day 2025 in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Culture has launched a nationwide campaign honoring traditional Saudi crafts. Rather than preserving these skills behind glass, the initiative brings them to life in real time.
You will find craft fairs and artisan showcases in every major city from Riyadh to Abha. Communities will be welcoming locals and visitors to experience the full spectrum of Saudi handicrafts and hospitality.
Expect to see handwoven Sadu textiles, colorful Al-Qatt Al-Asiri wall art, pottery from Najran, silver jewelry from Asir, and woodwork from Jazan, all crafted with skill, symbolism, and a strong sense of place.
Laysen Valley – Riyadh’s Cultural Canvas
Laysen Valley in Riyadh stands at the center of it all, transformed into a vibrant stage for Saudi creativity and cultural pride. From April 16 to 23, every evening from 4 PM to 11 PM, the space will come alive with color, sound, and scent.
- Live Craft Demonstrations: See artisans in action braiding palm fronds, throwing clay, and embroidering tales into fabric.
- Workshops for All Ages: Learn how to paint in Al-Qatt Al-Asiri style, try Arabic calligraphy, or weave your own piece of Sadu.
- One-of-a-Kind Artisan Stalls: Shop for handmade treasures, direct from the makers who shape them.
- Performances & Cultural Nights: Enjoy traditional music, storytelling under the stars, and folk dances that will stir your soul.
Entry is free, and tickets are available on Webook. This celebration welcomes everyone, whether you’re a local, a wanderer, or a curious cultural explorer!
A Nationwide Celebration – From the Coast to the Desert
While Laysen Valley in Riyadh anchors the festivities, World Heritage Day 2025 unfolds across the Kingdom.
In Jeddah’s Al-Balad, the city’s old soul shines through artisan markets, live workshops, and galleries nestled in coral-stone buildings. Expect to see traditional crafts meet contemporary creativity in ways that feel both rooted and refreshingly new.
Al-Ahsa Oasis celebrates with open-air weaving circles and palm crafts under the shade of date trees. In Hail, poetry, Sadu weaving, and storytelling come alive in heritage villages echoing with regional pride.
From Abha mountains culture to Najran’s pottery traditions, each city brings its voice to the national narrative. The entire Kingdom turns into a living museum of craft, community, and cultural memory.
Reflecting on the Roots — From Monuments to Makers
Last year, for World Heritage Day 2024, Saudi Arabia cast a spotlight on its eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the ancient Nabatean tombs of Hegra to the stone forts of Rijal Alma. It was a celebration of place, permanence, and preservation.
This year, the lens shifts to the people, and the focus is on handicrafts. World Heritage Day 2025 honors the living traditions that continue to shape Saudi culture, not in the stillness of ruins, but in the hum of daily life. Artisans carry these traditions not in textbooks, but in their hands, passing them down through memory, mentorship, and practiced skill.
Join the Celebration To Create, Connect, & Collect
Whether you are a lifelong resident, an expat, or an inspired traveler, World Heritage Day 2025 invites you to slow down and rediscover the Kingdom through its makers.
Watch a Saudi weaver tell stories through the thread, try your hand at Arabic calligraphy alongside a seasoned artist, shop for handmade goods knowing your riyal supports a legacy, and listen to folk songs that once echoed in desert camps and mountain homes.
The event is a connection point between generations, cities, and the Kingdom’s past and creative future. Reserve your spot, explore the full schedule, or register for hands-on workshops through WeBook.
Book early, as many experiences fill up fast, and you won’t want to miss the hands-on moments.
FAQs
Is entry to World Heritage Day events free?
Entry to all major events, including the Laysen Valley experience in Riyadh, is free of charge. You can register or book your preferred activities through Webook.
Where is the main event happening?
The flagship celebration is taking place in Laysen Valley, Riyadh, from April 16–23, with events from 4 PM to 11 PM daily. Other celebrations are also happening in Al-Ahsa, Jeddah’s Al-Balad, Hail, Abha, and Najran.
What kind of activities can I expect?
Expect hands-on workshops in pottery, weaving, calligraphy, and more. There will also be craft markets, folk music, heritage fashion shows, and family-friendly cultural performances.
Is this celebration part of a larger cultural campaign?
The Saudi Ministry of Culture has designated 2025 as the “Year of Handicrafts.” This initiative supports artisans, revives heritage practices, and shines a global spotlight on Saudi creativity.
