As part of the Ministry of Culture’s 2025 Year of Handicrafts initiative, the Fashion Commission released a research paper titled Craftonomics in Fashion: How Handicrafts Are Reshaping the Global Fashion Economy. The report establishes the value of Saudi Arabia’s handicrafts market at $405 million, with domestically produced goods accounting for one-fifth of the total.
The paper argues that handicrafts are crucial for cultural preservation and serve as a key driver for creative and economic diversification. It specifically explores how craft intersects with the fashion industry, noting that the Year of Handicrafts has already accelerated revival efforts. Key data points show that more than 5,000 artisans are registered on the Heritage Commission’s Abde’a platform, producing over 4,400 items for various commercial clients. The report underscores the sector’s contribution to inclusive growth, as women artisans significantly outnumber men. Ultimately, the Commission stresses that combining these traditional skills with innovation and global partnerships can create new economic opportunities and fuel cross-cultural collaboration.
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