Makkah: The Makkah crafts exhibition is spotlighting one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant heritage arts: the crafting of Arabian swords and daggers.

The showcase is a key feature of the Handicrafts Conference: Identity and Creativity, organized by Umm Al-Qura University to honor traditional arts.

Sword and dagger making is among the Kingdom’s oldest and most respected handicrafts, requiring exceptional skill and precision to balance strength with beauty, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

Historically, these weapons reflected regional identities across Saudi Arabia, each marked by distinct styles and decorations.

Beyond their practical use, swords and daggers symbolize cultural identity. Once vital for defense, they now represent strength, courage and valor, and remain central to national celebrations and traditional attire.

The exhibition pieces feature diverse, refined designs, with each handmade weapon forged from high-quality steel and often adorned with gold or silver.

Their intricate engravings and filigree are more than decoration; they express Saudi Arabia’s rich history and artistic heritage, the SPA added.

The exhibition also highlights Sadu weaving, one of the Kingdom’s oldest traditional crafts, valued for its deep ties to the land and its role in Saudi cultural identity.

More than 100 artisans take part in live demonstrations, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the nation’s collective memory.

Sadu weaving is a meticulous craft using natural materials and inherited techniques to produce textiles once central to daily life, from homes and desert tents to everyday essentials.

Beyond culture, the Makkah crafts exhibition supports the creative economy by helping artisans market their work and adapt traditional designs for modern demand.

These efforts strengthen handicrafts as a pillar of cultural and tourism development, enabling artisans to balance heritage with commercial sustainability.