Al-Qa‘ayid: A Heritage Narrative from Jazan

Through the Handicraft Houses Initiative, the Heritage Commission of Saudi Arabia seeks to revive traditional crafts by transforming heritage sites into vibrant platforms for creativity, learning, and community engagement. These houses host productive workshops, specialized training programs, and cultural events, serving as centers of innovation while safeguarding heritage. Supported by the Quality of Life Program, the initiative also launched an official identity mark, giving artisans a certified brand that elevates the market value of their products and empowers them to proudly showcase authenticity.

At the heart of the enchanting region of Jazan, rich in natural beauty and ecological diversity, a timeless craft continues to inspire: Al-Qa‘āid. More than wooden seats, they are living records of cultural memory—handcrafted with precision, carrying the imprint of generations, and telling the story of a community that shaped its life with creativity and resilience.

This story began in simpler times, when necessity gave birth to innovation. Crafted mainly from sidr wood, occasionally from neem or jaway, and bound with palm fibers or doum fronds, Qa‘āid offered durability, comfort, and elegance. They were central to homes and gatherings, used for sitting, resting, and hosting.

Today, the House of Crafts in Jazan has become a beacon of preservation and renewal. With thirty artisans leading three main programs—mother-of-pearl crafting, Qa‘āid weaving, and cap tailoring—the house transmits ancient knowledge to younger generations. Within these, Qa‘āid stand out as symbols of identity: once household essentials, now cultural emblems. Training programs cover carpentry, dyeing palm fibers in modern hues, interpreting geometric designs, and producing innovative yet authentic models.

Displayed at festivals, markets, and museums, Qa‘āid affirm that heritage is not static but ever-renewing. They embody both continuity and transformation, bridging past and present. The Handicraft Houses thus represent a pioneering model for safeguarding national heritage while nurturing sustainable creativity and community pride.