Saudi National Handicraft Development Program organizes training program to develop capacity of female artisans

The trainees learn the methods of product designing and product pricing with regard to quotations for a handicraft product. (SPA)
Updated 26 December 2017
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Saudi National Handicraft Development Program organizes training program to develop capacity of female artisans

RIYADH: The National Handicraft Development Program “Bari” has organized a training program for female artisans in Riyadh to learn more about designing and pricing their craft products.
Bari, a flagship program of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) with the mandate to promote handicrafts in the Kingdom by supporting local artisans, organized a skill-based training program for developing the capacity of female artisans in Riyadh in partnership with the Turquoise Mountain Foundation (TMF), a non-profit, non-governmental organization run under the patronage of Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.
Majed Al-Sheddi, director general of media relations at the SCTH, told Arab News on Monday that the art and craft training mainly focused on the development of Al-Kharazah craft techniques and the trainees got the opportunity to learn some new techniques in this area. The trainees also learned the methods of product designing and product pricing with regard to quotations for a handicraft product.
The training program was executed by the TMF, he said. Notably, the Bari and the TMF had earlier signed an agreement to promote handicrafts in the Kingdom by supporting local artisans through the skill-based training to be provided by trainers from the foundation.
The cooperation agreement aimed at producing more handicrafts to be sold inside and outside the Kingdom, was signed at Al Ula during Prince Charles’ visit to the Kingdom in 2015.
The agreement aims to spur professional and scientific exchange for students, teachers and artisans between the TMF and Bari, as well as promoting mutual cooperation for the development of some of the heritage villages in the Kingdom.
As per the agreement, the two sides can select the targeted crafts for development in the Kingdom, providing required technical and professional support to a selected group of artisans, developing a number of profitable craft products for the retail market as souvenirs for hotels as well as establishing an exhibition to display live models of Islamic art, traditions and crafts.
TMF was founded in 2006 at the initiative of Prince Charles with the aim of preserving and regenerating historic areas and communities with a rich cultural heritage as well as reviving traditional arts and crafts, to create jobs, skills and a renewed sense of pride.


Saudi Arabia stops ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base

Updated 11 March 2026
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Saudi Arabia stops ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base

  • Saudi Arabia’s cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia shot down seven ballistic missiles, the defense ministry said early Wednesday.
Six of the missiles were aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, and the other was intercepted while heading to the Eastern Province.
Seven drones were knocked down heading to the Shaybah oil field in the Empty Quarter.
Thirteen drones were also shot down in Al-Kharj, Hafar Al-Batin, and other parts of the Eastern Province, the ministry said.
The war, launched by the US and Israel on Iran, has escalated, impacting regional stability and sparking a global energy crisis.
Saudi Arabia’s cabinet on Tuesday strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom, Gulf states and other countries in the region, saying they threaten regional security and violate international law.
The cabinet session, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman via videoconference, reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s right to take all necessary measures to protect its security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Brent crude hit a historic $120 a barrel on Monday before settling back down to $90 a barrel on Tuesday.
Amin Nasser, CEO of Aramco, the world’s top oil exporter, told reporters: “There would be catastrophic consequences for the world’s oil markets and the longer the disruption goes on ... the more drastic the ‌consequences for the ‌global economy.” 
The White House said that gas prices will plummet once US objectives in the war are reached.
The conflict could stretch on for months despite US President Donald Trump saying that it could be drawing to a close. But Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has said it will end when they decide.