Traditional Arts Forum

Traditional Arts Forum Agreements: A Lasting Local and International Impact

The Traditional Arts Forum, organized by the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth), concluded its activities in the capital city of Riyadh. Held from January 25 to 27, 2026, at the King Fahd Cultural Center, the event took place under the patronage of His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts.

The forum witnessed three days of intensive knowledge-driven work, which included 22 scientific sessions and lectures, 40 workshops, and the signing of 10 agreements. These outcomes established a practical foundation for developing the traditional arts sector and enhancing local and international institutional cooperation.

The forum served as a specialized scientific platform built upon six main pillars that combine scientific research, cultural dialogue, interactive experiences, and knowledge publications. Its core tracks aimed to develop capabilities, transfer expertise, enhance cultural cooperation, and envision the future of traditional arts as a vital field capable of development and sustainability.

As part of its outcomes, several agreements were signed with academic, cultural, and governmental entities. These partnerships included King Faisal University, Saudia Airlines, NABA (Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti), the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON), the "Live Healthy" Center, the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, Taibah University, Galileo Global Education, the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, and the Ministry of Media, all contributing to supporting the sector and linking traditional arts with contemporary developmental pathways.

The forum also witnessed the launch of a collection of publications by the Institute aimed at researchers, practitioners, and those interested in traditional arts. Among these releases were the book Bedouin Weaving of Traditional Sadu, the book Entrepreneurship in Traditional Arts, and The Wrth Glossary of Traditional Arts Terms, in a step aimed at organizing knowledge and strengthening references in this field.

At the conclusion of the forum, the CEO of the Institute, Dr. Suzan Al-Yahya, emphasized that this edition is merely the seed of an extended cultural and intellectual movement within upcoming Wrth projects. Among these is King Salman Park, which will serve as a living space for learning, experimentation, and the intersection of art and society.

By organizing this forum, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) reinforces its leadership in hosting global gatherings for traditional arts and expanding its local and international footprint. Through organizing knowledge, building capabilities, and connecting Saudi traditional arts to their cultural and developmental contexts, the Institute reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting traditional arts as an authentic part of its national identity and a promising field for cultural development.