Riyadh: Al-Ahsa, a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, showcased its pioneering experience in safeguarding traditional crafts and reviving folk arts during a four-day cultural gathering in the Italian city of Fabriano. Al-Ahsa's participation at the Annual Meeting of the Italian Network of UNESCO Creative Cities highlights Saudi Arabia's rich cultural identity on the global stage.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Ahsa is among 350 UNESCO Creative Cities worldwide, recognized for its deep-rooted civilizational heritage and historical contributions in the field of crafts and folk art. Its participation builds on its membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the category of Crafts and Folk Arts, a milestone achieved through the initiative and support of Al-Ahsa Municipality, which continues to promote culture and creativity as key pillars of sustainable development and Saudi Vision 2030.
During the meeting, part of the Fabriano Carta ¨ Cultura event, Mayor of Al-Ahsa Essam Al-Mulla, who headed the delegation, underscored the municipality's efforts to empower artisans and artists through innovative programs and projects. These include designating multiple spaces for traditional crafts, involving artisans in festivals and cultural events, and revitalizing folk arts as a core element of the city's cultural identity.
Mayor Al-Mulla also emphasized Al-Ahsa's role in preserving crafts related to document conservation, book and manuscript binding, and Arabic calligraphy, while incorporating modern technologies and artificial intelligence. He noted that the municipality is also investing in public murals to visually reflect cultural identity.
Al-Ahsa's delegation also took part in a dialogue session with the delegation of Fabriano, exploring ways to deepen cultural ties and foster a shared creative identity. The session aimed to pave the way for creative initiatives that deliver tangible local and international benefits, positioning Al-Ahsa as a cultural bridge between East and West.