Al-Ahsa Shares Its Experience in Preserving Handicrafts and Folk Arts at the UNESCO Creative Cities Conference in Front of 118 Global Cities
Among 118 creative cities worldwide, "Creative Al-Ahsa" participated in the 16th Annual Conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, held in Braga, Portugal, in July 2024. The conference was attended by Ernesto Ottone, Assistant Director-General for Culture at UNESCO, and Ricardo Rio, Mayor of Braga.
During the meeting, "Creative Al-Ahsa" presented its experience in preserving and sustaining handicrafts and folk arts. This participation continues Al-Ahsa's engagement since joining the global network for creativity in the field of handcrafts and folk arts, an initiative by the Municipality of Al-Ahsa.
Preserving Handicrafts: The Mayor of Al-Ahsa- head of the participating delegation, Engineer Essam Al-Mulla, presented a paper detailing Al-Ahsa's efforts as the first Gulf city and third Arab city to preserve its heritage. These efforts include various projects and initiatives, such as involving artisans and artists in festivals and events that provide dedicated spaces for handicrafts, support, and opportunities to showcase various folk arts. The goal is to raise awareness within the community on the importance of culture and creativity in shaping future cities and their role in sustainable urban development.
Engineer Al-Mulla also presented the outcomes of initiatives led by the Municipality of Al-Ahsa to support the handicraft sector and preserve folk art heritage, such as the Wednesday Market (Souq Al-Arba’a), the Artisans Market, and the Creative Al-Ahsa Fortress.
During a discussion session with representatives of creative cities from 62 countries, Al-Mulla emphasized that the Municipality of Al-Ahsa is committed to deepening its community role by enhancing growth rates and sustaining handcrafts and folk arts. He highlighted that Al-Ahsa’s creative assets place it on par with other global cities. This is a result of active participation from both the public and private sectors in cultural activities, aligning with the objectives of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network. He also stressed the importance of creativity and culture in achieving UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, specifically Goal 11, which aims to make cities more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Sustainable Development: Dr. Ibrahim Al-Shubaith, Director of International Organizations at the Municipality of Al-Ahsa and Assistant Coordinator of Handicrafts and Traditional Arts for the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, explained that in Al-Ahsa, handcrafts are seen as creative industries contributing to economic, social, and environmental development in the region. He confirmed that the global meeting provided a platform for exchanging experiences and direct communication with the leadership of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network to discuss and innovate future cities. The network offers a unique platform to support and promote the work of member cities locally and globally, aiming to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals set for 2030.