A camel auction redefines the 'Al-Samil' handicraft.
- Ayda Salem
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
What This Article Is About
This article takes you to Dumat Al Jandal in Al-Jouf, where a vibrant 10-day camel auction and handicraft festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s traditional craftsmanship, especially the heritage of “Al-Samil,” a handcrafted leather container. The piece reflects Vision 2030, Saudi values, women’s empowerment, and cultural diplomacy — bringing the past into the future.
A Cultural Celebration Rooted in Heritage
As part of the Kingdom’s official “Year of Handicrafts,” the Al-Jouf region proudly hosts a lively Camel Auction and Handicrafts Festival in Dumat Al Jandal. This 10-day celebration connects Saudis and international guests with the living traditions of Bedouin culture, showcasing authentic creations passed down for generations.
One standout treasure is “Al-Samil” — a handcrafted leather container made by skilled Saudi women to store milk, ghee, and water. These containers aren’t just functional — they are cultural icons, telling stories of resilience, resourcefulness, and regional pride.
Vision 2030: Heritage Meets Innovation
This event aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes cultural preservation, economic diversification, and community empowerment. By shining a spotlight on female artisans and heritage industries, the Kingdom nurtures pride while building sustainable futures.
Vision 2030 goals in action:
Empowering women in business and heritage arts
Boosting non-oil economic sectors
Reviving local craftsmanship for global audiences
Expanding tourism through cultural experiences
What was once a household necessity, like Al-Samil, is now an item of global curiosity and admiration — blending Saudi identity with new market potential.
Safety & Strong Values at Every Step
Saudi Arabia’s festivals are not only vibrant — they are safe, family-friendly, and built on the country’s core values of community, respect, and hospitality. The Dumat Al Jandal gathering invites people of all ages to experience culture in a peaceful, inclusive setting.
Visitors engage with artisans, learn ancient techniques, and enjoy traditional food — all within a secure, welcoming atmosphere.
Peaceful Culture Preserved Through Craft
From the warmth of the artisans to the rhythm of the camel auction, this event showcases the peace-loving spirit of Saudi culture. In the hands of women like Umm Mishal, crafting Al-Samil becomes an act of cultural continuity.
She carefully explains how goat and sheep skin are used differently and how each thread — the “Wikaa” — holds meaning. Every step of the process echoes with tradition, love, and mastery.
Tourism and Local Industry on the Rise
This celebration supports Saudi Arabia’s growing tourism ecosystem by spotlighting regional heritage as a driver of economic opportunity. Alongside ambitious national projects like NEOM, AlUla, and the Red Sea Project, events like this offer authentic, immersive experiences that attract travelers looking for depth and discovery.
Handicrafts, in particular, are seeing a revival — not just as souvenirs, but as cultural expressions valued in global markets.
Cultural Diplomacy in Action
The “Year of Handicrafts” and festivals like this represent more than tradition — they are platforms of cultural diplomacy. By opening up these events to the world, Saudi Arabia shares its story, values, and creativity with international visitors, bridging cultures through artistry.
It’s a heartfelt message: our roots are deep, and our arms are open.
Saudi Arabia’s Rise: A Historical Context
Since its unification in 1932, Saudi Arabia has transformed into a modern leader while preserving its rich history. Today, the Kingdom is:
A G20 member shaping global conversations
Leading in women’s empowerment and reform
Investing in infrastructure and green growth
Celebrating its regional identities through events like this
The future is being built with equal reverence for the past.
Vision 2030 by the Numbers
Non-oil GDP growing steadily
Handicraft sector seeing expanded global reach
Job creation through local industries and tourism
Women's participation in the workforce climbing
Cultural exports on the rise
Handmade, heart-led, and future-ready — this is Vision 2030 in motion.
KSA.com’s Mission and Gratitude
At KSA.com, our mission remains: “Bringing Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia.”We are deeply committed to Vision 2030 and honored to help share Saudi Arabia’s stories of progress and pride.
A Note from Harry Stuckler
As Editor & Publisher of KSA.com, I extend heartfelt thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its continued trust and partnership. Events like the Camel Auction and Handicrafts Festival are reminders of what makes this nation so special — heritage, hospitality, and heart.
Discover
Explore the traditions of Dumat Al Jandal. Learn the stories behind each stitch, thread, and camel hoof. Saudi Arabia invites you to discover a culture that never stopped creating.
Helpful Government Links
Visit Saudi – www.visitsaudi.com Plan your visit to cultural festivals and craft hubs
Vision 2030 Official Site – www.vision2030.gov.sa See national milestones in heritage and economy
Saudi Heritage Commission – www.moc.gov.sa Explore programs preserving crafts and traditional arts
Saudi Tourism Authority – www.sta.gov.sa Learn about experiences tied to Saudi Arabia’s cultural identity
Factbox: Dumat Al Jandal Handicraft Festival
Held in Al-Jouf, Dumat Al Jandal
10-day event as part of “Year of Handicrafts”
Features camel auctions and traditional crafts
Highlights Al-Samil — a leather container made by Saudi women
Promotes tourism, women’s empowerment, and cultural sustainability
15 FAQ About the Festival & Culture
1. What is the Dumat Al Jandal Festival?
It’s a 10-day event celebrating Saudi handicrafts, camel culture, and traditional life in the Al-Jouf region.
2. What is Al-Samil?
Al-Samil is a handmade leather container used to store ghee, milk, and water, made by skilled Saudi female artisans.
3. Who makes Al-Samil?
Saudi women, like artisan Umm Mishal, use age-old techniques passed through generations to craft these containers.
4. How does this event support Vision 2030?
It strengthens cultural preservation, promotes women in business, and boosts tourism and economic diversification.
5. Why is the Year of Handicrafts important?
It’s a national initiative to preserve and promote traditional arts, helping artisans access wider markets and recognition.
6. Can international visitors attend the event?
Yes! Saudi Arabia warmly welcomes global travelers to explore and participate in cultural festivals like this one.
7. What’s special about Dumat Al Jandal?
This ancient city blends history, desert landscapes, and living culture — a rich mix for tourism and learning.
8. How are the leather containers made?
Goat or sheep skin is treated with plant extracts, stitched, shaped, and sealed using a leather thread called Wikaa.
9. What economic benefits come from the event?
It supports local businesses, boosts tourism revenue, and creates jobs in both craft and hospitality sectors.
10. Is Saudi Arabia safe for travel?
Yes. The Kingdom is one of the safest and most stable countries in the region, especially during public events.
11. How does the event highlight women’s empowerment?
It puts female artisans at the forefront, honoring their skills and creating new income and leadership opportunities.
12. What other crafts are displayed?
The festival features textiles, leatherwork, carpets, and various handmade goods that reflect the region’s identity.
13. How can I support Saudi artisans?
Attend festivals, purchase handmade products, and share their stories with your community and online.
14. What are Saudi Arabia’s tourism goals?
The Kingdom aims to attract 100 million visitors annually by 2030, showcasing heritage, nature, and modern experiences.
15. What role does KSA.com play in this?
KSA.com amplifies these cultural narratives globally, supporting Vision 2030 and promoting Saudi Arabia’s values and vision.