Official government website of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
His Excellency the President of Qassim University, Professor Dr. Mohammed bin Fohad Al-Sharikh, sponsored today, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the conference «Handicrafts in the Era of Digital Transformation: Opportunities and Challenges,» organized by the College of Arts and Designs, in the presence of a number of officials from various bodies, His Excellency the Vice Presidents of the University, its affiliates, and its students, at the King Abdulaziz Center for Conferences in the university city.
For her part, the Dean of the College of Arts and Design, Dr. Dalal bint Wedaihan Al-Otaibi, spoke during the university's speech at the opening ceremony about the objectives of organizing this conference, which comes in conjunction with the Year of Handicrafts 2025, to highlight handicrafts and their cultural and economic dimensions, and their role in preserving national identity and supporting scientific research.
Confirming that in our present era, the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting handicrafts and artisans are prominent, through the establishment of bodies, institutions, and associations, the organization of exhibitions and events, and the encouragement of professional development, with the generous support and attention of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and his Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz - may God protect them.
The conference continues for two days and includes a series of scientific sessions that discuss multiple axes, most notably: handicrafts and artificial intelligence, employing modern technology to enhance production and quality, developing small and medium-sized enterprises for sustainable development, digital marketing for handicrafts, and the role of business incubators in supporting artisans. The conference also includes a set of practical workshops that focus on handicraft skills and preserving these professions in light of digital transformation.
The conference program includes four scientific sessions, with the participation of an elite group of experts and specialists, which will discuss issues of handicrafts in their contemporary context, in addition to accompanying workshops and exhibitions that highlight the efforts made to support handicrafts, and shed light on initiatives and practices that contribute to their development and sustainability.
His Excellency the President of the University reviewed the accompanying exhibition, which includes contributions from a number of civil bodies, institutions, associations, and specialized companies, as well as the participation of a number of artisans with their experiences and handmade products, in addition to the booth of the College of Arts and Design. This exhibition aims to highlight the efforts of these entities in supporting handicrafts and the services and initiatives they offer to enhance and preserve this sector. He praised the distinguished ideas and crafts displayed in the exhibition, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The conference witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in the fields of training and activating initiatives. On the sidelines of the conference's activities, it was signed by His Excellency the President of the University and the CEO of the Royal Institute for Traditional Arts «Warath,» Dr. Suzan Bint Mohammed Al-Yahya. His Excellency the President of the University also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the university, represented by the College of Arts and Design, and the Military Clothing and Equipment Factory. It was signed by the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Professor Dr. Waleed bin Saleh Al-Bathah, and the CEO of the factory, Mr. Suleiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saeed.
At the conclusion of his patronage of the opening ceremony of the conference, His Excellency the University President honored the participating and supporting entities, as well as the participating specialists and researchers.
