From preserving ancient crafts to infusing tradition with contemporary ideas, these artisans shine a light on the power of dedication and community in keeping time-honored practices alive.
Through their stories, we witness how personal passion and cultural heritage come together in beautiful harmony, each narrative a unique thread woven into the larger tapestry of our shared history.
Through their stories, we witness how personal passion and cultural heritage come together in beautiful harmony, each narrative a unique thread woven into the larger tapestry of our shared history.
Faiza Ali Al Mansouri:
Weaving Tradition and Passion Through Wicker Craft
In the heart of AlUla, where the air is rich with history and tradition, Faiza Ali Al Mansouri found her true calling in the art of wicker craft. Born into a community where this cherished tradition thrived, Faiza grew up watching her mother, an artisan herself, skillfully weave stories through each handcrafted piece. Though her early career took her into the world of education as a home economics and art teacher, her connection to wicker craft lay quietly, waiting for its moment to bloom.
It was during the last decade of her teaching career that Faiza’s passion for wicker craft began to take root. What started as a simple hobby soon grew into something much deeper. With the wisdom of her teaching years behind her, Faiza embraced this ancient craft after her retirement, dedicating herself to mastering the intricate art. Her drive to perfect her skills led her to enroll in training courses, where her talent was not only honed but also recognized by her peers and mentors. This journey brought her back to Madrasat Addeera—not as a student or teacher, but as a trainer, guiding the hands of a new generation in this time-honored tradition.
Madrasat Addeera holds a special place in Faiza’s heart. It is a place where her memories of childhood and her current role as a mentor beautifully intertwine. She spent her formative years there, learning the very lessons that now shape her craft and her approach to teaching others. Returning to the same halls where she once studied, Faiza now shares her expertise and passion with those eager to learn. In her words, “Nostalgia takes me back to my childhood memories, where I learned and grew. Today, as a trainer, I feel a responsibility to pass on the knowledge I have gained. Madrasat Addeera is a part of who I am.”
Among her many creations, one piece stands out: a bag adorned with an image of Elephant Mountain. This simple yet powerful symbol recalls evenings spent beneath the mountain’s shade with family and friends, grounding her work in both personal memory and collective tradition. Each stitch, each woven thread, is a tribute to her journey—a journey shaped by patience, creativity, and a deep commitment to her craft.
Faiza’s success is a testament not only to her talent but to the community that has supported her along the way. Through her interactions with customers, she has learned to listen, to adapt, and to continually refine her skills. This constant dialogue between artisan and audience drives her forward, helping her evolve in her work. The support from her colleagues and her community fuels her motivation, ensuring that the legacy of wicker craft remains alive in AlUla.
Despite the challenges, Faiza embodies the resilience required to navigate this ancient art form. Her story is one of perseverance, where the threads of tradition and innovation are woven together, creating something both timeless and new. In every piece she creates, Faiza not only preserves a tradition but also breathes life into it, ensuring that the art of wicker craft endures for generations to come.
Mobile: +966563024354
Email: [email protected]
fayzh1381
fayzh1381
st.2040_
Among her many creations, one piece stands out: a bag adorned with an image of Elephant Mountain. This simple yet powerful symbol recalls evenings spent beneath the mountain’s shade with family and friends, grounding her work in both personal memory and collective tradition. Each stitch, each woven thread, is a tribute to her journey—a journey shaped by patience, creativity, and a deep commitment to her craft.
Faiza’s success is a testament not only to her talent but to the community that has supported her along the way. Through her interactions with customers, she has learned to listen, to adapt, and to continually refine her skills. This constant dialogue between artisan and audience drives her forward, helping her evolve in her work. The support from her colleagues and her community fuels her motivation, ensuring that the legacy of wicker craft remains alive in AlUla.
Despite the challenges, Faiza embodies the resilience required to navigate this ancient art form. Her story is one of perseverance, where the threads of tradition and innovation are woven together, creating something both timeless and new. In every piece she creates, Faiza not only preserves a tradition but also breathes life into it, ensuring that the art of wicker craft endures for generations to come.
Mobile: +966563024354
Email: [email protected]
fayzh1381 fayzh1381 st.2040_Hanan Al Balawi:
Crafting Heritage Through Gemstones and Jewellery
In the enchanting landscapes of AlUla, Hanan Al Balawi has woven together her family’s passion for gemstones and her own artistic vision to create a remarkable journey in the world of jewellery design.
As one of the founders of the Peerless Jewellery brand, Hanan specialises in creating handmade pieces that celebrate the beauty of local stones and embody the essence of Saudi heritage.
Two of Hanan’s signature creations stand out as symbols of her connection to her heritage and surroundings:
From her father’s guidance in gemstone polishing to her mastery of jewellery making at Madrasat Addeera, Hanan’s journey is a testament to the enduring influence of family, tradition, and education. In every piece she creates, she skilfully intertwines the cultural richness of her roots with the innovation of modern design, ensuring that the legacy of Saudi craftsmanship lives on.
Mobile: +966532670682
Email: [email protected]
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- Mashraq Collection: This collection is a tribute to the architectural beauty of Madrasat Addeera, the first girls’ school in AlUla. Inspired by the intricate mashrabiya windows that bathe the school’s corridors in sunlight, Hanan’s designs evoke the elegance and authenticity of traditional Saudi architecture. “The mashrabiyas represent more than just design elements—they embody the warmth and light of our heritage,” she explains.
- Didahan Poppy Flower Brooch: The striking poppy flower, or didahan, native to the northern Saudi deserts, takes centre stage in this exquisite brooch. With a three-dimensional design and a deep red ruby at its heart, this piece captures the vibrancy and natural beauty of the desert flower. “The poppy is a symbol of the wild beauty of our land, and the ruby reflects the flower’s brilliance,” Hanan shares.
From her father’s guidance in gemstone polishing to her mastery of jewellery making at Madrasat Addeera, Hanan’s journey is a testament to the enduring influence of family, tradition, and education. In every piece she creates, she skilfully intertwines the cultural richness of her roots with the innovation of modern design, ensuring that the legacy of Saudi craftsmanship lives on.
Mobile: +966532670682
Email: [email protected]
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Amira Hashem Al-Anzi:
Unveiling Talent Through Art and Colour
From a young age, Amira Hashem Al-Anzi, a 25-year-old artist from AlUla, found herself captivated by the world of colours and drawing. Her mother, an art teacher and visual artist, served as both mentor and inspiration, introducing Amira to the secrets of art.
Reflecting on her early years, Amira recalls, “I used to draw my ideas from my mother while sitting next to her, and over time I felt that I had a talent that I did not fully realise.”
Despite her early love for art, Amira sensed there was a depth to her abilities that remained undiscovered. That changed when she joined Madrasat Addeera four years ago, a turning point in her artistic journey. Within the walls of this creative institution, Amira found the perfect environment to unlock her true talent and dive into the world of design and colour manufacturing.
“Madrasat Addeera had a great impact in directing me towards this field and discovering my artistic abilities,” she reflects.
Among Amira’s most prominent works are her captivating creations displayed at AlUla Airport, including her notable design of AlUla’s Urban Carpet in AlJadidah Arts District. However, the artwork she holds closest to her heart is her painting featured in the exhibition Light, Colour & The Cosmology of Pigment, organised by The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London last August. This piece marks a significant achievement in her career and a personal milestone in her artistic expression.
Amira credits the continuous support from her teachers and colleagues at Madrasat Addeera as a key motivation in her artistic journey. “I feel like I find myself here, among the colours and designs,” she says, reflecting on the joy and sense of purpose she’s found in her work.
Looking ahead, Amira dreams of collaborating with international designers and artists, introducing them to the rich culture and artistic heritage of AlUla. Through her art, she hopes to share AlUla’s beauty and traditions with the wider world, ensuring that its vibrant legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Mobile: +966550356661
Email: [email protected]
amira.alfaqir
Amira credits the continuous support from her teachers and colleagues at Madrasat Addeera as a key motivation in her artistic journey. “I feel like I find myself here, among the colours and designs,” she says, reflecting on the joy and sense of purpose she’s found in her work.
Looking ahead, Amira dreams of collaborating with international designers and artists, introducing them to the rich culture and artistic heritage of AlUla. Through her art, she hopes to share AlUla’s beauty and traditions with the wider world, ensuring that its vibrant legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Mobile: +966550356661
Email: [email protected]
amira.alfaqirMajda Al-Hazmi:
Weaving Passion and Innovation into Wicker Craft
In the ancient landscapes of AlUla, where tradition and modernity beautifully coexist, Majda Al-Hazmi, a 49-year-old artisan, has carved a unique path in the world of khus (wicker craft). Despite holding a diploma in computer science, Majda discovered her true passion for this intricate craft only in 2021. Enrolling at Madrasat Addeera, the renowned school for traditional arts in AlUla, she immersed herself in the art of wicker weaving for two years.
Her dedication paid off, and she proudly graduated as a skilled artisan—returning to the same school, this time as a trainer, to pass on the knowledge she had acquired.
But Majda’s journey didn’t end there. Her love for khus led her to expand her expertise beyond AlUla, becoming a trainer at the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts in Riyadh and the Prince Charles School. “Although no one in my family practices this craft, my great passion for it prompted me to search for everything new to develop the level of my work,” she reflects, speaking to the determination that drives her creativity.
Through her innovative spirit, Majda has combined traditional Saudi techniques with Malaysian influences, creating designs that are both timeless and original. One of her proudest achievements was crafting a unique basket for Cartier and UNESCO, blending rocks and wicker in a design that bridges nature and artistry. She has also pioneered the extraction of new natural colours, using raw materials found in her surroundings to bring a fresh vibrancy to her work.
Majda’s creations are not only celebrated locally but have also made their mark internationally. Her work has been displayed in exhibitions such as the “Misk” exhibition in Riyadh and the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, as well as through her Instagram account and a store in AlUla’s Old Town, established by the Royal Commission for AlUla.
Grateful for the unwavering support of her family, Majda reflects on her journey with pride: "Thank God, I did not face any obstacles at the beginning of my career. Everything was made easy for me, and I express my thanks to King Salman and his Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for the great support they provided to us through the Royal Commission for AlUla, which established Madrasat Addeera, the institution from which I graduated and became a trainer."
Majda Al-Hazmi’s story is one of passion, innovation, and deep respect for tradition. Her work in khus craftsmanship stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of AlUla, while also embracing the possibilities of the future.
Mobile: +966563766689
Email: [email protected]
nature_inspiration0
Through her innovative spirit, Majda has combined traditional Saudi techniques with Malaysian influences, creating designs that are both timeless and original. One of her proudest achievements was crafting a unique basket for Cartier and UNESCO, blending rocks and wicker in a design that bridges nature and artistry. She has also pioneered the extraction of new natural colours, using raw materials found in her surroundings to bring a fresh vibrancy to her work.
Majda’s creations are not only celebrated locally but have also made their mark internationally. Her work has been displayed in exhibitions such as the “Misk” exhibition in Riyadh and the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, as well as through her Instagram account and a store in AlUla’s Old Town, established by the Royal Commission for AlUla.
Grateful for the unwavering support of her family, Majda reflects on her journey with pride: "Thank God, I did not face any obstacles at the beginning of my career. Everything was made easy for me, and I express my thanks to King Salman and his Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for the great support they provided to us through the Royal Commission for AlUla, which established Madrasat Addeera, the institution from which I graduated and became a trainer."
Majda Al-Hazmi’s story is one of passion, innovation, and deep respect for tradition. Her work in khus craftsmanship stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of AlUla, while also embracing the possibilities of the future.
Mobile: +966563766689
Email: [email protected]
nature_inspiration0
Rasha Al-Joud:
Weaving Heritage and Innovation Through Calligraphy
In the historic lands of AlUla, where the remnants of ancient civilizations meet modern creativity, Rasha Al-Joud has found her calling as a calligrapher and artist. Since 2019, Rasha has been dedicated to preserving Saudi cultural heritage by crafting souvenirs that intertwine the beauty of the past with the possibilities of the present.
Each of her creations is a fusion of history and innovation, designed not only to preserve the essence of cultural heritage but also to promote sustainability for future generations.
Driven by her deep passion for the arts, Rasha has become known for her ability to offer innovative and personalised solutions tailored to the unique tastes of her clients. This commitment to creativity and craftsmanship has earned her a reputation as a trusted partner in producing exquisite souvenirs that reflect the beauty of AlUla’s rich history. Beyond her artistic creations, Rasha also leads workshops, where she shares her expertise in Arabic calligraphy and ancient engravings, fostering knowledge exchange and pushing the boundaries of these timeless art forms.
Madrasat Addeera has played a pivotal role in Rasha’s artistic journey. “The school has been instrumental in developing my skills through specialised training programs,” she explains. “It has helped me enhance the quality of my work and fostered my creativity. It also provided a network of relationships with other craftsmen, facilitating the exchange of experiences and cooperation.” For Rasha, Madrasat Addeera represents both a source of inspiration and a bridge to her roots, helping her revive traditional art forms in a way that reflects AlUla’s unique identity.
Rasha is deeply passionate about the role that handicrafts play in preserving Saudi heritage. “Handicrafts are not just a means of preserving heritage; they play an essential economic and social role by creating job opportunities and supporting the local economy,” she observes. She believes that by blending modern technologies with traditional crafts, new avenues are opened for innovation, allowing artisans to create products that meet the demands of today’s markets while promoting tourism and cultural pride.
Through her work, Rasha Al-Joud continues her mission to safeguard Saudi heritage, combining artistry and sustainability to offer experiences that capture the beauty, history, and distinctiveness of her culture.
Mobile: +966534509003
Email: [email protected]
rashaa.abdallah
Rasha is deeply passionate about the role that handicrafts play in preserving Saudi heritage. “Handicrafts are not just a means of preserving heritage; they play an essential economic and social role by creating job opportunities and supporting the local economy,” she observes. She believes that by blending modern technologies with traditional crafts, new avenues are opened for innovation, allowing artisans to create products that meet the demands of today’s markets while promoting tourism and cultural pride.
Through her work, Rasha Al-Joud continues her mission to safeguard Saudi heritage, combining artistry and sustainability to offer experiences that capture the beauty, history, and distinctiveness of her culture.
Mobile: +966534509003
Email: [email protected]
rashaa.abdallah
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