Chairman of Asharqia Chamber’s Board of Directors, Fahad bin Abdullah Al-Farraj, explained that the crafts and handicrafts sector is no longer merely a traditional activity, but has today become one of the important economic and social pillars and a core element within the targets of Saudi Vision 2030, which, through its programs, focuses on developing the heritage and creative sectors and turning them into a more organized and sustainable system of work that contributes effectively to supporting the national economy and strengthening the Kingdom’s cultural identity, in addition to being an added value that enables all members of society to practice their hobbies and pass professions down through the generations.
Al-Farraj affirmed that Asharqia Chamber follows an ambitious and continuous strategy to empower craft, art, and handicraft owners in the Eastern Province, having consistently held its Crafts and Handicrafts Exhibition annually at the Dhahran International Exhibitions Center in Khobar, under the generous patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of the Eastern Province, this year from September 1 to 4. This embodies the Chamber’s commitment to continuing its efforts to empower artisans, visual artists, and owners of creative projects, turning their work into organized investment projects built on solid administrative and marketing foundations, and making them an active figure within the Kingdom’s economy.
Al-Farraj noted that the exhibition’s track record over 8 previous editions has proven its resounding success as one of the largest developmental events in the Eastern Province’s local economy, with the participation of more than 2,590 male and female artisans from among handicraft business owners and productive families, supported, joined, and enabled by more than 148 civil associations and incubating entities, and attracting more than 205,000 visitors. More than 28,000 copies of the marketing guide dedicated to the participants have been produced and printed, and more than 400,000 introductory cards for productive families and artisans have been distributed over the years.
Al-Farraj added that the exhibition forms a comprehensive empowerment and marketing platform that works to create new job opportunities and develop the participants’ skills, by equipping them with the professional and administrative experience and skills that raise the quality of national products, ensure their access to wide segments of consumers and investors, and provide a rewarding economic return and sustainable income. The exhibits in this ninth edition are spread across several integrated sections, including heritage products, design and decor, women’s clothing and fashion, incense and perfumes, in addition to food, beverages, sweets, coffee, and spices, with active participation from civil associations, development committees, and centers that incubate creatives. Al-Farraj concluded by noting that the Chamber has been keen to provide all forms of support and training and to provide media coverage for the participants to help them expand and grow in the labor market.