Hail, January 13, 2025 – The inaugural Handicrafts Festival (HARFA 2025) in Hail concluded on January 11, 2025, marking a resounding success as it attracted an impressive 91,000 visitors from across the globe. Held at the historically significant Al-Qishla Palace, the festival was not only a celebration of the region’s rich cultural heritage but also an essential part of the launch of Saudi Arabia’s "Year of Handicrafts 2025". This milestone event was an extraordinary showcase of local craftsmanship and an important cultural landmark for the city of Hail, as it drew both domestic and international visitors, with tourists coming from Europe, America, Asia, the Gulf region, and various parts of Saudi Arabia.
The festival served as a platform to highlight Hail's vibrant handicraft traditions, which have been passed down through generations and continue to thrive in the region today. Attendees had the opportunity to explore a wide range of traditional crafts, including wickerwork, carpentry, weaving, incense burner crafting, pottery, and clay building, all of which showcase the region’s artisanal skill and ingenuity. Among the many exhibits, visitors were particularly impressed by the stunning displays of wood engraving, intricate embroidery, wool fluffing, leather goods, as well as daggers and swords, which feature the distinctive styles and decorations of Hail. A highlight of the festival was the showcasing of Thamudic inscriptions, along with artistic carvings on stone, decorative abayas, and everyday items such as ropes and windows, which together reflect the deep cultural roots and rich history of the area.
A significant feature of the festival was the participation of over 130 craftsmen and craftswomen, who demonstrated their skills through live crafting sessions and interactive training courses aimed at passing on their expertise to younger generations. These hands-on activities were complemented by a range of awareness programs organized by prominent local institutions, including the Hail Region Development Authority, the Heritage Commission, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. These programs emphasized the economic and cultural significance of handicrafts in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the crucial role that local authorities play in supporting, marketing, and preserving the craft industry for future generations.
In addition to the vibrant demonstrations and skill-sharing activities, the festival also celebrated Hail's cultural heritage through artistic folklore performances that brought the region's rich traditions to life. Visitors were also treated to displays of vintage cars and a heritage-inspired atmosphere that included local restaurants and cafes offering traditional foods. This fusion of cultural celebration and community engagement contributed to the festive atmosphere that made the event both educational and entertaining for all attendees.
The HARFA 2025 Festival was made possible thanks to the efforts of over 100 volunteers, whose hard work and dedication helped ensure the event ran smoothly. Their contribution was integral to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment, where people from all walks of life could come together to enjoy the diverse activities and learn about the importance of preserving and promoting traditional crafts.
As the first of its kind, the HARFA Festival solidified its place as a premier cultural attraction in Saudi Arabia. By blending creativity, tradition, and community spirit, the festival has not only celebrated the craftsmanship of Hail but has also established itself as a key event in the Kingdom's broader efforts to promote the preservation of its cultural heritage. With its blend of artistic expression, educational initiatives, and communal engagement, the festival has undoubtedly set the stage for future editions to continue showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of Saudi Arabia's rich handicraft traditions.
