Saudi Handicrafts Week set for November

The third edition of the Saudi International Handicrafts Week, also known as Banan, will be held from Nov. 13 to 26 in Riyadh, under the patronage of Culture Minister Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan. (SPA/File)
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Updated 16 October 2025
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Saudi Handicrafts Week set for November

  • The gathering will feature participation from more than 40 countries
  • The event aims to empower local businesspeople

RIYADH: The third edition of the Saudi International Handicrafts Week, also known as Banan, will be held from Nov. 13 to 26 in Riyadh, under the patronage of Culture Minister Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan.
The gathering will feature participation from more than 40 countries, alongside over 400 local craftspeople and 20 partners, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The event, part of the Year of Handicrafts 2025, aims to empower local businesspeople, enabling them to enhance their market presence and leverage their skills.
China, the guest of honor, will showcase the nation’s rich tradition of crafts.
Prince Bader, who is also chairman of the Saudi Heritage Commission, has announced that Syria will participate for the first time, featuring its traditional arts and products.
A spotlight will also be placed on the House of Artisans, an initiative that supports craftspeople in the Kingdom.


Students explore AI, robotics with MIT expert

Updated 15 December 2025
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Students explore AI, robotics with MIT expert

RIYADH: Misk Schools in Riyadh has hosted specialized workshops in robotics and artificial intelligence, introducing students to research led by prominent Saudi experts.

Saudi researcher Sharifa Al-Ghowinem, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, visited as part of the initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

She worked over three sessions with students from the early years and upper elementary grades on activities focused on basic shapes and block-based programming.

Older students undertook more advanced tasks involving robotic drawing.

The interactive workshops gave students direct guidance and insight into ongoing research at MIT.

Dr. Steffen Sommer, director general of Misk Schools, said Al-Ghowinem’s work extended beyond technical achievement.

He said: “Her research reflects a Saudi vision that is shaping global scientific inquiry at MIT.

“Her visit gave Misk Schools’ students a unique opportunity to engage directly with a scientist advancing human-robot interaction in both Arabic and English.”