RIYADH: A team from Al-Ahsa was received by the region’s governor on Tuesday and praised for its work on the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Al-Ahsa Gov. Prince Saud bin Talal, accompanied by Mayor Essam Al-Mulla, received the team and praised its members for winning the chair of coordination for creative cities worldwide in the field of crafts and folk arts.
Prince Saud was briefed on the team’s efforts in developing Al-Ahsa’s creative portfolio, and on the achievements that have contributed to enhancing the governorate’s presence at international level.
He said that the achievement constituted global recognition of the cultural and creative assets at Al-Ahsa, as well as its rich heritage of traditional crafts and folk arts which formed an integral part of the national identity and reflected the depth of its civilization.
Prince Saud noted that the accolade resulted from the significant support provided by the country’s leadership in the cultural sector, pointing out that Al-Ahsa’s recognition strengthened its presence in international forums.
It opened prospects for cooperation and the exchange of expertise with member cities, and contributed to attracting global cultural events, stimulating cultural tourism, and creating opportunities in a manner that supported sustainable development, he added.
Al-Mulla said that the achievement was the result of integrated efforts undertaken by the municipality in developing Al-Ahsa’s creative portfolio and supporting and empowering artisans, enhancing the presence of cultural heritage within the developmental landscape.
He pointed to the rich diversity that characterized Al-Ahsa in traditional crafts and industries, and the folk arts passed down by the community across generations.
He added that the achievement further reinforced Al-Ahsa’s status as a global center of creativity and opened wider avenues of international cooperation and exchange of expertise, in a way that supported Sustainable Development Goals and consolidated the Kingdom’s presence on the global cultural scene.
Al-Ahsa was designated as a UNESCO Creative City in Crafts and Folk Arts in 2015.
