Traditional Saudi crafts showcased to world at Riyadh exhibition

Sadu, a traditional form of weaving historically carried out by Bedouin women, was one the crafts taking center stage at an exhibition showcasing Saudi products to the world.

More than 100 brands and organizations took part in the second edition of the Saudi Made event, held at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Convention Center.

The four-day industry gathering, which ended on Thursday, saw Saudi products and services being promoted to regional and international markets.

The exhibition aims to help companies in the Kingdom create export opportunities, forge links with key importers, while displaying the country’s craft heritage to visitors.

Badriyah Almutairi, a Saudi Sadu trainer, was presenting at the Heritage Commission’s booth.

She said: “It is beautiful that people can see our tradition in our products. Heritage is the basis of industries.

“Sadu is a purely female craft. It was a Bedouin custom that men did not practice, in the same way that women did not roast, prepare, or drink coffee.”

The embroidered textile is widespread in Bedouin traditions, especially in the Najd region. It is woven in a horizontal pattern using mainly camel or goat hair, or sheep wool.

“We took Sadu from our environment. Women made pillows, tents, and textiles but now it has become a profession, a sustainability profession,” Almutairi added.

Other crafts on show at the exhibition included Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, an ancient interior wall decoration art form using bright colors and common to homes in Asir.

In addition, pottery, Najdi doors, and Arabic calligraphy were also highlighted by the commission through workshops and a mini art gallery.

Many of the Saudi products go on to be displayed by the commission at international craft, fashion, and arts events in countries such as Italy and France.

Bandar Al-Khorayef, the Saudi minister of industry and mineral resources and chairman of the Saudi Export Development Authority, attended the first day of the event along with several other senior figures.