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RIYADH: The Jazan Culture House recently organized a workshop titled “Clay from Our Soil: A Journey in Pottery Making” as part of a wider initiative to revive traditional crafts that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The course covered the full production cycle, from clay extraction and processing to shaping, firing and glazing, all using environmentally friendly materials, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Participants were also shown how to identify different types of clay, prepare raw materials, implement their designs and even how to build and use a traditional kiln.

Instructor Yahya Hakami said that the composition of Jazan’s clay made it highly flexible and ideal for free-form shaping and producing the traditional pottery and household items for which local villages are renowned.

The program was one of several launched by Jazan Culture House under the Year of Handicrafts initiative organized by the Ministry of Culture.

The scheme aims to preserve and promote traditional crafts while strengthening their presence in the region’s cultural and artistic scene.

JEDDAH: The Perfume Expo at Jeddah Superdome has drawn large crowds since its opening as part of Jeddah Season, bringing together innovation and the rich heritage of perfumery for fragrance lovers and industry professionals alike.

The 11-day event features more than 90 local, regional, and international brands and features new launches, exclusive offers, and interactive experiences designed to highlight the artistry and heritage of perfumery. 

Visitors can attend workshops, participate in discussion sessions with experts, and create personalized scents at the interactive fragrance lab until Oct. 26.

Bashayer, manager at Al-Graphy Company, said: “We organized the fragrance lab where visitors can choose three oils from a selection of 24 to create their own personalized perfumes. It’s a hands-on experience that allows them to learn about perfumery while crafting a scent that is uniquely theirs.”

Omar Slami, operations manager at Albait Alamarati LLoud, noted the strong turnout and customer engagement.

“Our collection spans perfumes, hair mists, body splashes, oud incense, and intricately designed incense burners that reflect Saudi culture and heritage,” he said.

For regional brands like Oman-based Thoughts of the Gulf, the expo provides a valuable platform to introduce new products. 

Majed Abdullah, the company’s general manager, said: “Saudi customers always welcome us warmly, and we truly enjoy returning to this market.”

The brand’s booth is staffed entirely by Omani employees, reflecting their commitment to local expertise and cultural authenticity.

Saudi brands also stand out. Mayadah Mozaffer, founder of CAPT., told Arab News: “Our focus is on sports and youth culture. Each perfume we offer reflects a different personality.”

Khaled Ahmed, marketing manager at Awad Alakaber, emphasized the deep cultural link between Saudis and perfume. 

“We started with perfumes and oud, later expanding to handmade oud burners. Perfume plays a key role in Saudi culture, it’s not just about smelling good, but it can also be a sign of (individuality),” he said.

Visitors echoed that sentiment. Hamed Algharbi, 32, said: “Young Saudis really know their perfumes and have clear preferences. We’ve grown up using different ouds for occasions like Eid and weddings. The expo featured so many rich and intense fragrances that choosing a favorite was both exciting and a bit challenging.” 

For professionals like Emaad Abdurraheem, manager at Noir Perfume, the expo provides valuable insights into customer behavior.

“Finding the perfect scent is a personal journey, some stick to a signature brand, while others explore fragrances that reflect their experiences. The process of discovering what suits you is always enjoyable and enlightening,” he said.

Beyond the retail area, visitors can enjoy interactive displays of Eastern and Western fragrances alongside live music and entertainment, adding to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.