Traditional Doors, Carvings Draw Crowds to Hail Handicrafts Festival

Sanaa Hasan January 7, 2025

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Traditional Doors, Carvings Draw Crowds to Hail Handicrafts Festival

The Handicrafts Festival in Hail has become a major attraction for visitors from the region and beyond, thanks to its wooden doors and gypsum carvings pavilion. The intricate craftsmanship showcased in these traditional works has captivated attendees.

Inspired by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the designation of 2025 as the “Year of Handicrafts,” the festival celebrates the country’s rich artisanal heritage, emphasizing its cultural and economic significance.

Craftsman Abdullah Al-Khazam shared insights into the skill and precision required to create wooden doors and carvings, including replicas of old Hail house designs made from tamarisk and other woods. He noted the unique characteristics of local designs, such as the distinction between Najdi doors, constructed with three beams, and Hail doors, crafted with four.

The pavilion also showcases Islamic plaster engravings inspired by the local environment, a defining feature of Najdi architecture. These ornate designs, used to embellish buildings, entrances, and majlis (council rooms), have drawn significant attention. Visitors can view replicas of traditional engravings from historical Hail majlis, with many expressing interest in acquiring similar pieces for their homes.

In addition, the exhibition includes drawings and engravings from ancient clay houses, featuring Qur’anic verses, proverbs, decorative patterns, and depictions of trees and plants.

The Handicrafts Festival is being held at Qishlah Palace in Hail and runs until January 9.