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.


Saudi aid agency launches food distribution projects in Djibouti and Guinea

Updated 12 sec ago
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Saudi aid agency launches food distribution projects in Djibouti and Guinea

  • Projects to benefit 40,000 individuals across Djibouti and 50,000 in Guinea
  • KSrelief's aid programs have reached a total of 113 countries across four continents

RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has launched its 2026 food distribution projects in the African republics of Djibouti and Guinea.

The initiatives are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian relief efforts to enhance global food security for vulnerable populations, according to statements carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

In Djibouti, Saudi Ambassador Mutrek Al-Ajaleen and other local officials rolled out the fifth phase of the year’s project. It consists of 6,715 baskets of essential food items designed to support 40,000 individuals across multiple regions of the country.

In Guinea, Saudi Ambassador Dr. Fahad Al-Rashidi led the launch ceremony for a similar initiative. Under this project, 8,400 food baskets will be distributed, benefiting 50,000 people nationwide.

Since its establishment in 2015, KSrelief has served as Saudi Arabia's primary humanitarian arm, making food security one of its largest and most critical operational sectors. According to the center's official statistics, KSrelief has implemented over 1,150 dedicated food security projects at a total cost of more than $2.2 billion.

These specific food distribution initiatives have successfully delivered vital sustenance to vulnerable populations in 86 countries worldwide. Broadening the scope beyond just food security, KSrelief's overall humanitarian and development aid programs have reached a total of 113 countries across four continents.