Saudi Arabia is introducing new-look signs on major roads as it looks to highlight regional cultural specialties and artistic highlights.
The Roads General Authority (RGA) and the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) have launched the “Wrth Saudi” initiative, featuring informational signs along highways across the Kingdom to introduce and celebrate authentic national crafts within a modern cultural and visual context.
Launched in conjunction with “The Year of Handicrafts,” the initiative’s first phase began on three major highways:
- The Riyadh–Dammam Road
- The Hijra Road (Makkah–Madinah)
- The Riyadh–Qassim Road
New Saudi road signs
Subsequent phases will expand the initiative to other vital roads across the country.
“Wrth Saudi” highlights the traditional arts unique to each region before travellers arrive, showcasing crafts such as Najdi door-making, clay construction, carpentry and wood decoration, and the bisht, a traditional Arabic cloak.
The Kingdom’s expansive and highly interconnected road network, one of the most comprehensive in the world, is widely used by pilgrims and tourists.
The initiative provides a valuable opportunity to promote Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship.
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts plays a leading role in preserving national identity by promoting and enriching traditional arts both locally and globally.
It supports artisans, recognises cultural pioneers, and encourages learning and innovation in traditional arts.
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