Alwaleed Philanthropies and Turquoise Mountain Celebrate the Successful Completion of the "Supporting Palestinian Crafts" Project
Alwaleed Philanthropies, chaired by HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, and Turquoise Mountain celebrated the successful completion of the Supporting Palestinian Crafts project during a closing ceremony held under the patronage and in the presence of H.E. Imad Abdullah Hamdan, Palestinian Minister of Culture.
HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Secretary General of Alwaleed Philanthropies, joined the ceremony virtually, alongside H.E. Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, Governor of Bethlehem, Mr. Hanna Hanania, Mayor of Bethlehem, as well as representatives from partner organizations, artisans, cultural institutions.
HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud
The event marked the conclusion of a partnership that invested in Palestinian artisans as both custodians of cultural heritage and entrepreneurs with the potential to build sustainable livelihoods. Rather than focusing solely on preserving traditional crafts as part of the past, the project sought to strengthen the sector as a source of economic opportunity by equipping artisans with the skills, resources, and market access needed to sustain and grow their businesses.
Launched in 2023, the initiative delivered a comprehensive support program that combined product development and design, specialized training and mentoring, business and digital skills development, revolving financial support, branding and marketing, and access to local, regional, and international markets.
Over the course of the project, direct support was provided to 95 artisan workshops and enterprises, helping 58 workshops remain operational despite challenging economic conditions. The program also supported the development of 26 high-quality craft collections and products, while 656 artisans and designers participated in training, mentoring, and skills development programs, more than half of whom were women. Overall, the initiative reached more than 3,000 direct and indirect beneficiaries.
The closing ceremony highlighted the project's human and economic impact through the stories of participating artisans whose businesses have grown through product development, training, financial support, and expanded market opportunities. Their experiences demonstrated how the initiative strengthened technical skills, enhanced product quality and design, improved business management capabilities, and enabled artisans to reach new customers and generate sustainable income despite an increasingly difficult economic environment.
HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Secretary General of Alwaleed Philanthropies, said:
"This partnership reflects our belief that empowering artisans is fundamental to preserving Palestinian traditional crafts and ensuring they continue to thrive for generations to come. Through our collaboration with Turquoise Mountain, we are equipping artisans with the skills, opportunities, and support they need to strengthen their livelihoods and transform their talents into sustainable sources of income that improve quality of life. We believe that meaningful partnerships, combined with a long-term vision, are the foundation for creating lasting impact that extends across communities."
Speaking at the event, H.E. Imad Abdullah Hamdan, Palestinian Minister of Culture, emphasized that Palestinian crafts are far more than products or commodities; they are a living expression of the nation's collective memory and cultural identity. He noted that traditional crafts, including embroidery, ceramics, glassmaking, and wood carving, represent generations of knowledge and creativity, while reflecting the resilience of Palestinian heritage in the face of ongoing challenges.
Tamara Al-Tamimi, Director of Turquoise Mountain in Palestine, said: "Our goal was not simply to preserve traditional crafts as part of the past, but to ensure they remain relevant and sustainable for the future. When artisans are able to refine their products, manage their businesses effectively, access new markets, and generate sustainable incomes, we are doing more than preserving a craft—we are safeguarding generations of knowledge, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening an essential part of Palestinian cultural identity."
One of the project's most significant and lasting achievements is Dar Al Ghazzawi in Bethlehem, home to Turquoise Mountain in Palestine. The center serves as a permanent hub for training, design, collaboration, production, exhibitions, retail, and community engagement, providing artisans with an ongoing platform to develop their businesses while introducing local and international audiences to the richness of Palestinian craftsmanship.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to building on the project's achievements and ensuring its long-term impact. While the program's success is reflected in the number of workshops supported, products developed, and markets reached, its greatest legacy lies in the artisans who have strengthened their skills, sustained their businesses, and are better equipped to build more resilient and sustainable livelihoods for the future.
