'Crafts of the Kingdom': New book offers visual journey through the unique heritage of Saudi Arabia


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A new coffee table book has been published by Assouline, dedicated to the rich and unique culture of Saudi Arabia.

Entitled Crafts of the Kingdom: Culture and Creativity in Saudi Arabia, the 220-page tome shines a spotlight on the country's traditional skills and artisanal techniques.

Written by Princess Najla bint Ahmad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the book offers a journey through the cultural heritage of the kingdom, from the hand-painted houses of Asir to Al Sadu weaving, an art form that is so integral to the region it has recently been added to Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Princess Najla is a scholar of anthropology and development studies, and is currently conducting doctoral research at the University of Cambridge. Born in Riyadh, she is well placed to document and capture the diverse handicrafts from the large nation.

With the help of beautiful photography, it travels from the historic city of Jeddah on the Red Sea to the forested region of Al Baha, exploring the traditions behind work such as carved plaster panels to intricate wooden screens fashioned entirely by hand.

It highlights the diverse cultures across the kingdom’s regions, from its most traditional roots through to the modern interpretations that are seen today.

Scroll through the gallery above to see more from Crafts of the Kingdom: Culture and Creativity in Saudi Arabia

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

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She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

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2070km to run

38 days

273,600 calories consumed

28kg of fruit

40kg of vegetables

45 pairs of running shoes

1 yoga matt

1 oxygen chamber

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The hotels

Rooms at the Raffles Le Royal in Phnom Penh cost from $225 (Dh826) per night including taxes. Rooms at the Grand Hotel d'Angkor cost from $261 (Dh960) per night including taxes.

The tours

A cyclo architecture tour of Phnom Penh costs from $20 (Dh75) per person for about three hours, with Khmer Architecture Tours. Tailor-made tours of all of Cambodia, or sites like Angkor alone, can be arranged by About Asia Travel. Emirates Holidays also offers packages. 

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