RIYADH: Visitors from across the region and beyond are being drawn to the wooden doors and gypsum carvings pavilion at the Handicrafts Festival in Hail, all keen to see the craftsmanship behind the traditional works.
Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the designation of 2025 as the “Year of Handicrafts,” the festival celebrates the rich heritage of such skills and highlights their cultural and economic significance.
Craftsman Abdullah Al-Khazam explained that creating wooden doors and carvings, including those of old Hail houses made from tamarisk and other woods, demanded exceptional skill and attention to detail.
The difference between Najdi doors made with three beams while Hail doors are crafted with four (SPA)
He highlighted the difference the difference between Najdi doors, made with three beams, and Hail doors, which are crafted with four, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
The pavilion also features Islamic plaster engravings inspired by the local environment, a hallmark of Najdi architecture used to adorn buildings, entrances, and majlis, or council rooms.
Replicas of traditional engravings from historical Hail majlis are on display, with many visitors expressing an interest in acquiring the pieces to decorate their own homes.
Also on display are drawings and engravings from ancient clay houses, including Qur’anic verses, sayings, decorative patterns, and depictions of trees and plants.
The festival takes place at Qishlah Palace in Hail until Jan. 9.
