On November 23, the second Saudi International Handcrafts Week (BANAN) opened at the Riyadh Front Exhibition Center in Saudi Arabia. Invited by the Heritage Commission of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, ORI Group was responsible for organizing the China Pavilion, introducing Chinese intangible cultural heritage (ICH) skills to this international stage for the first time. The event brought together over 500 artisans from Saudi Arabia and 25 other countries, showcasing the vibrant intersection of cultural heritage and innovation.

Stunning Debut of ICH Skills: Blending Traditional Cultures

The China Pavilion featured 11 carefully curated Chinese ICH skills, including lacquerware, Woof, rosewood carving, sandalwood fans, ivory carving, paper cutting, and sugar painting. These exhibits not only symbolize the richness of Chinese traditional culture but also highlight how heritage techniques are thriving in contemporary society.

Live demonstrations at the pavilion drew large crowds, with interactive experiences such as sugar painting and paper cutting captivating Saudi audiences. Esteemed Chinese artisan Dongmei SHI, a recipient of the Mountain Flower Award, interacted with visitors while demonstrating rosewood carving. She remarked:
“Rosewood carving is not just about shaping wood; it’s a profound expression of Chinese traditional culture. Each design carries unique cultural meanings. Here, I sense Saudi visitors’ deep curiosity about the stories behind craftsmanship. This kind of cross-cultural exchange is invaluable. I hope this exhibition inspires greater appreciation for the art of rosewood carving and opens avenues for collaborative innovation with Saudi artisans.”

Craftsmanship as a Cultural Memory and a bridge for Future Collaboration

On November 26, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Hua CHANG, visited the China Pavilion and commended the exhibition for deepening Sino-Saudi cultural exchange. He emphasized that the Saudi International Handicrafts Week serves as a vital platform for showcasing Chinese ICH in Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world while creating opportunities for bilateral cooperation in heritage preservation, cultural innovation, and exchange.

On November 27,H.H. Minister of Culture Prince Badr toured the pavilion, expressing admiration for exhibits such as lacquer-ware, sandalwood fans, and paper cutting. H.H. praised their exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural significance, highlighting the diversity and creativity of Chinese culture. Prince Badr expressed deep gratitude and showed great interest while taking a closer look at the exhibits of China Pavilion, including the sandalwood carving of Belt and Road, and traditional Chinese Costume Hanfu. H.H. even asked the duration and effort it would take to complete the embroideries on Hanfu.

Joint Efforts to Protect Heritage and Create Shared Prosperity

ICH embodies historical memory while connecting to future innovation. Both China and Saudi Arabia are rich in cultural heritage resources. As the organizer of the China Pavilion, ORI Group leveraged this event to establish a platform for cultural exchange, enabling Chinese ICH to shine on the international stage while drawing inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s rich traditions. This synergy aims to inject new vitality into heritage preservation and its industrial development.

ORI Group views this exhibition as a springboard to deepen Sino-Saudi collaboration in cultural heritage and beyond. Moving forward, the company plans to utilize diverse international platforms to enhance cross-cultural communication and empower heritage economically. By fostering a global ecosystem for ICH preservation and development, ORI Group continues to infuse lasting vitality into cultural exchange between nations.