Al-Ahsa heads UNESCO's Creative Cities Network in a global cultural achievement

In a move reflecting the growing international recognition of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's cultural standing, His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, Governor of Al-Ahsa, received the "Creative Al-Ahsa" team, headed by the Mayor of Al-Ahsa, Engineer Essam Al-Mulla, at his office in the Governorate headquarters. This reception celebrates the international achievement of the Governorate in winning the Coordination Chair of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of crafts and folk arts.

Historical background and a remarkable career

This victory was no accident; it is the culmination of a long journey of dedicated work that began in 2015 when Al-Ahsa became the first Gulf city to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of crafts and folk arts. This inclusion recognized its rich heritage, spanning thousands of years, which is evident in its exquisite crafts such as the weaving of Al-Ahsa bishts (traditional men's cloaks), pottery, and palm frond crafts. This status was further solidified in 2018 with the inscription of the Al-Ahsa Oasis on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as a unique model of a thriving oasis and an example of the harmonious interaction between humanity and nature.

The importance of winning and its expected impact

During the meeting, His Highness the Governor of Al-Ahsa affirmed that this achievement represents global recognition of Al-Ahsa's unique cultural and creative assets, and reflects the unlimited support that the wise leadership – may God protect them – provides to the cultural sector as one of the pillars of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. His Highness pointed out that Al-Ahsa assuming this leading position within the network, which includes 84 cities worldwide, will open broad horizons for international cooperation and the exchange of expertise, thus contributing to:

• Promoting cultural tourism: attracting international events and festivals that highlight the governorate's craft heritage.
• Sustainable economic development: Creating quality job opportunities for craftsmen and craftswomen, and enabling them to transform their creations into products of economic value.
• Knowledge exchange: Transferring successful experiences and practices to and from member cities of the network, and developing local creative industries.

Integrated efforts towards globalization

For his part, the Mayor of Al-Ahsa, Engineer Essam Al-Mulla, explained that this recognition is the fruit of the integrated efforts exerted by the municipality and its partners in developing the “Creative Al-Ahsa” initiative. These efforts included supporting and empowering artisans, providing platforms to showcase their products, and integrating cultural heritage into the urban development landscape of the governorate. He added that Al-Ahsa is distinguished by its rich diversity of handicrafts and folk arts passed down through generations, making it a living example of creativity linked to identity. This win reinforces its position as a leading global center in this field and solidifies the Kingdom's presence on the global cultural scene.