Handicraft workshops threatened with closure: 30 days to rectify the situation.

The Ministry of Culture, through the Heritage Authority, has launched the executive regulations for the Crafts and Handicrafts System, aiming to organize this vital sector and support artisans by establishing clear standards for licensing, classification, and quality assurance. This initiative seeks to preserve the Kingdom’s traditional industrial heritage and create new avenues for professional growth.

The regulations include detailed conditions for registering artisans in the National Register, encompassing details such as region, craft type, contact information, qualifications, experience, professional memberships, and other information specified by the relevant council. They also outline procedures for modifying data or removing registration if conditions are not met, with the possibility of reinstatement after rectifying the situation or completing any penalties.

The regulations cover a wide range of crafts and handicrafts, including woodwork, metalwork, leatherwork, textiles, jewelry, traditional construction, embroidery, pottery, perfumes, and more. The council has the authority to add new areas in coordination with concerned parties.

The regulations also specify the types of licenses required, including licenses for those practicing craft and commercial activities, and licenses for shops selling traditional craft products. Licenses will be valid for two years and renewable, with the possibility of cancellation for non-compliance with standards or violations.

The regulations encourage the establishment of specialized associations and the organization of artisan participation in local and international exhibitions according to specific guidelines, emphasizing the need for obtaining the necessary approvals from the Authority. They also define standards for classifying craft activities, establish quality criteria for products, and list products prohibited from import or manufacture.

The regulations include mechanisms for providing incentive rewards to licensed artisans, including logistical, financial, and technical support. They also promote collaboration with the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts to offer accredited training programs aimed at developing artisan skills.

The regulations grant the Ministry of Culture and the Authority the authority to issue decisions necessary for their implementation, forming a comprehensive regulatory framework designed to develop crafts and handicrafts, protect national heritage, and empower artisans in the Kingdom. This system is effective from the date of the original system’s enforcement.