RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region, the traditional craft of Al-Naddafa continues to preserve the community’s heritage, with artisans transforming wool and cotton into bedding and quilts that reflect generations of skill.
Craftsman Nidal Al-Obaid told the Saudi Press Agency that the “naddaf” is an artisan who cleans, softens, and reshapes wool and cotton using traditional tools.
The artisan then turns the materials into mattresses, quilts, and pillows, a craft that once provided comfort to locals across the region before industrial, modern alternatives arrived.
Despite the availability of ready-made products, Al-Naddafa is still practiced by locals in Arar and the surrounding governorates, SPA reported.
The region’s pastoral landscape and abundance of sheep have long ensured a steady supply of wool, sustaining the craft and embedding it in the fabric of local life.
The handmade products stand out for their durability, natural materials, and cultural authenticity, making them highly valued at heritage exhibitions and national festivals celebrating Saudi traditions, SPA added.
While some artisans now use simple machines to speed up the fluffing process, the essence of the craft remains largely unchanged.
From carefully selecting the wool to cleaning, smoothing, and stuffing it into locally woven fabrics, each step reflects both tradition and adaptation to modern tastes.
Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission and Ministry of Culture are working to safeguard and promote handicrafts like Al-Naddafa under Vision 2030, supporting artisans with training, development, and marketing opportunities to help turn heritage crafts into sustainable industries.
