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【Reflection】
The program offered by the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (WRTH) provided an inspiring and comprehensive understanding of how Saudi Arabia is preserving and revitalizing its traditional arts within the framework of Vision 2030. Established under the Ministry of Culture and chaired by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, WRTH’s initiatives demonstrated a strong commitment to connecting heritage with innovation, ensuring that traditional knowledge remains relevant in the modern era.

Through the program’s exploration of WRTH’s five strategic pillars: education, research, artisan empowerment, public engagement, and international exchange, insight was gained on how cultural preservation can also drive creativity, employment, and global dialogue. The emphasis on empowering artisans, particularly through recognizing “Living National Treasures,” highlighted the human dimension of heritage, valuing the individuals who sustain cultural continuity through skill and dedication.

The sessions on heritage concepts showed the balance between tangible and intangible heritage. It demonstrated how physical sites, artifacts, and architecture intertwine with oral traditions, craftsmanship, and social customs to form a holistic cultural identity. The discussion on heritage’s political, social, and economic significance reinforced its role not just as a symbol of national pride but also as a tool for education, job creation, and community development.

Exploring urban heritage across Saudi regions offered a vivid perspective on the Kingdom’s diversity. From the monumental structures of Riyadh and the sacred sites of Madinah to the distinctive mudbrick architecture of Najd, each region tells a story shaped by geography, history, and faith. Najdi architecture reflects deep environmental and cultural intelligence—its inward-facing courtyards, intricate designs, and privacy-oriented layouts reveal a harmonious integration of aesthetics, function, and values.

Overall, the program encouraged reflection on how heritage preservation is not merely about conservation but about revitalization—bridging the past with the present and enabling future generations to find inspiration in tradition. WRTH’s vision demonstrates that traditional arts are not static relics but living expressions of identity, capable of evolving while maintaining their authenticity.

This learning experience reinforced the belief that cultural heritage plays a vital role in shaping community resilience, fostering creativity, and strengthening national identity. It served as a reminder that preserving traditional arts is also an investment in people, their skills, stories, and sense of belonging.


【Post EXPO Initiatives】
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (WRTH) is advancing its commitment to cultural preservation and sustainability through the Traditional Building Techniques Program, the first structured apprenticeship of its kind in the Arab world. This pioneering initiative focuses on mud construction, one of the oldest and most environmentally responsive building traditions in Saudi Arabia. Designed to bridge heritage and innovation, the program aims to train a new generation of artisans, architects, and conservation specialists capable of sustaining and revitalizing traditional construction practices within modern development contexts.

The program is structured across three progressive levels:
• Level I (Beginner) introduces participants to the foundations of mud building, including understanding material properties, traditional methods, and model construction. Apprentices also gain a theoretical grounding in heritage architecture, exploring how these techniques reflect cultural and environmental adaptation.

• Level II (Intermediate) advances into restoration and conservation skills. Participants learn to assess the heritage value of sites and apply restoration techniques with historical accuracy and sustainability in mind. A key feature of this stage is the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects such as reconstructing architect Hassan Fathy’s designs in Diriyah, blending traditional wisdom with contemporary restoration practices.

• Level III (Advanced) prepares participants for leadership roles in heritage management. Apprentices are trained in project management, regulatory standards, safety protocols, and team leadership, enabling them to oversee restoration projects and train others. This level includes participation in major national projects, notably the restoration of AlUla Old Town, offering real-world experience in heritage conservation at scale.

By integrating education, practical training, and professional development, the program not only preserves ancient building knowledge but also supplies the Saudi job market with skilled artisans and cultural specialists. It contributes directly to the goals of Vision 2030, promoting sustainable urban development rooted in cultural identity.

The program’s broader philosophy reflects WRTH’s vision of traditional architecture as a living cultural system, dynamic, functional, and adaptable. Saudi Arabia’s urban heritage is understood as a reflection of its environmental conditions, social customs, and religious values, particularly evident in Najdi architecture, which emphasizes privacy, efficiency, and harmony with climate.

Through the Traditional Building Techniques Program, WRTH ensures that traditional craftsmanship does not remain a static legacy but evolves into a vibrant professional pathway, combining cultural preservation with economic opportunity. This initiative stands as a model for how heritage can inform modern architecture and sustainability practices, ensuring that the artistry and wisdom of Saudi builders continue to shape the Kingdom’s future landscapes.

Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (WRTH)