Tourism & Hospitality | Sunday 25 August, 2019 12:42 pm |

In its 13th edition, held this year during Taif Season, Okaz Avenue features the “Sadu Souk” – a collection of more than 30 stores that highlight traditional skills of craftsmen in creative industries from inside and outside the Kingdom. 

The art of sadu, a form of weaving, is proving popular with visitors, who are interested in acquiring pieces, and to find out more about the practices of this traditional industry. Traditionally, it featured animal hair and cotton, while today it relies on synthetic wool. Traditional industry tools, such as spindles and looms, are also represented. 

Traditionally, men and women practiced this craft, although women are normally the more proficient. Craftsmen would also make decorations, bedspreads, cushions and clothes, with costumes made from luxurious yarns in elaborate designs. 

The Sadu handicraft industry is a major attraction for Souk Okaz, being present at all heritage festivals in all regions of the Kingdom. Prices usually range from around 50 to 70 riyals for synthetic fabrics, while visitors will buy pieces made from sheep wool that are priced according to the length of the piece and the embroideries.