Saudi Artisanal Company: Preserving Heritage and Empowering Artisans
In the heart of Jeddah and Riyadh, the Saudi Artisanal Company is a beacon of light in the flourishing handicrafts sector of Saudi Arabia. This company is not just a business; it is a testament to the Kingdom’s rich heritage and dedication to honoring its traditions.
Ibrahim Al-Dulaijan, the acting CEO of the SAC, emphasizes the importance of leveraging the country’s cultural wealth to empower Saudi artisans, forge sustainable partnerships, and deliver goods that are an integral part of the nation’s legacy.
The company goes beyond just supporting artisans; it equips them with cutting-edge technologies to blend heritage, tradition, and innovation in their creations.
Al-Dulaijan shared with Arab News that empowering local artisans and designers is a core aspect of the company’s mission. Through a strategic partnership with the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, practical training is provided to artisans, offering them profitable opportunities in the artisanal field.
HIGHLIGHT
Saudi Artisanal Company’s strategic partnership with the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts provides practical training to artisans.
This training includes in-depth research on the historical and cultural significance of various products, ensuring that every piece tells a story and reflects genuine heritage.
During a recent visit to the SAC’s studio in Riyadh’s JAX district, Arab News witnessed skilled artisans at work, dedicating years to perfecting their craft with wool, wicker, wood, plaster, and engraving.
Empowering Artisans to Create Masterpieces
Abeer Al-Rabiah, the product design manager at the company, shared her passion for enhancing culture, preserving identity, and passing on heritage to future generations. She highlighted the importance of combining art and science in industrial design to create functional and sustainable products.
We aim to enhance our culture, preserve our identity, and pass on our heritage to future generations.
Sadiq Al-Hajri, Artisan supervisor, Saudi Artisanal Company
The Khawlani coffee collection, an award-winning piece celebrating Saudi coffee, stands out in the studio. The 3D-modeled cover and hand-crafted wooden box pay homage to the coffee-producing regions of the Kingdom, particularly Mount Talan.
Inside the box, two porcelain coffee cups inspired by coffee fruits await, along with coffee capsules filled with a blend of espresso and Saudi Khawlani coffee.
The Khawlani coffee collection recently won Best Luxury Item at the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism Awards, showcasing the company’s commitment to excellence.
Expanding Horizons and Sharing Heritage
The SAC not only showcases its products at local and international events but also offers an online store with over 100 items for global shipping. The company plans to open stores in multiple cities across the Kingdom to serve citizens, residents, and tourists with high-quality artisanal products.
By collaborating with artisans and designers from all corners of Saudi Arabia, the SAC is driving a significant transformation in the artisanal sector. This collaborative effort provides sustainable income sources for artisans and designers, ensuring the preservation and evolution of Saudi heritage for generations to come.
Sadiq Al-Hajri, the artisan supervisor with over 14 years of experience, echoes the company’s mission to enhance culture, preserve identity, and pass on heritage to future generations. Through workshops and hands-on training, artisans are equipped with the tools to create exceptional work that reflects Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage.
The future holds exciting opportunities for the SAC as they focus on international participation to introduce Saudi heritage to the world, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.