A new generation of artisans across the Arab world is breathing fresh life into traditional crafts, transforming heritage skills into modern livelihoods and creative leadership. In Saudi Arabia, a nationwide initiative is elevating handicrafts, training young people to turn inherited techniques like weaving and pottery into sustainable businesses. In Sharjah, the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council empowers women to master and innovate with crafts such as Talli and Safeefah, fostering both economic independence and cultural pride.

Meanwhile, in Jordan, Palestinian refugee women are preserving their history through hand-embroidered textiles, collaborating with regional designers to bring their artistry to new audiences. Lebanese and Syrian makers are also finding ways to keep craft traditions alive amid adversity, using design as a language of resilience and continuity. Across the region, these efforts are ensuring that handmade traditions evolve, adapt, and remain central to contemporary identity and economy.