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AL-BAHA: In the southern regions of the Kingdom, folk arts differ from one area to the next, with the region’s cultural and geographical diversity fostering a rich array of styles and expressions unique to each area.

In the Al-Baha region, a rich artistic heritage is being brought to life, blending culture and tradition in a way that resonates with the tastes of both visitors and residents.

It reflects their aspirations to connect with an authentic civilization that has flourished through the ages, passed down from generation to generation, from fathers to grandfathers.

The Director of the Cultural Society branch, Ali Khamis Al-Baydani, said that the region is home to 12 folklore groups, bringing together more than 350 members and participants from across its governorates.

He added that the society is committed to documenting and reviving extinct art forms such as Al-Harmooj, Al-Mahshoush, Al-Samer, Al-Laab, Al-Mashabani, Tariq Al-Jabal and Al-Majlisi.

He added that the branch organizes dedicated festivals for these arts, ensuring their presence in the region’s national, social and tourism events.

RIYADH: The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts has completed a comprehensive training program focused on cultural heritage documentation and digital preservation, delivered in collaboration with the Saudi Cultural Memory Center.

The program took place in Jeddah over a two-week period.

The initiative brought together heritage professionals and digital archiving specialists for an intensive 15-day curriculum that combined theoretical foundations with hands-on practical training.

Participants developed core competencies in documentation techniques and cultural project management, working with cutting-edge methodologies currently employed across the sector.

The training program forms part of the institute’s broader strategy to cultivate specialized national talent and establish heritage work as a viable career path.

This effort supports the institution’s mission to safeguard national identity while driving cultural development forward, particularly as �������� observes the Year of Handicrafts 2025.

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts plays a pivotal role in elevating the Kingdom’s cultural profile both regionally and globally.

The institute champions traditional artistic practices, celebrates master craftspeople and cultural innovators, and works to preserve authentic techniques while nurturing emerging talent in the field. It also encourages interested individuals to learn, master, and develop traditional arts.