Saudi women carving traditional pottery at the Art of Heritage center in Al-Nahda Philanthropic Society in Riyadh last week. — Courtesy photo RIYADH — Members of the British parliament visited Al-Nahda Philanthropic Society for Women here recently and appreciated the artwork of Saudi women with special needs. Princess Moudhi Bint Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz along with Somaya Badr Mohammad, General Manager of the Art of Heritage center in the Society, gave the visitors a tour of traditional Saudi art and explained the various activities of Al-Nahda Society. It has become quite common to have deputies visiting the Society, Somaya said. UK's School of Oriental and African Studies has signed a contract with Al-Nahda in order to study Saudi heritage, she added. Traditional artwork of Saudi heritage like that of furniture, pottery, jewelry and clothes are now being displayed in exhibitions all around the world, Somaya explained. The Art of Heritage, started in 1990, is one of the seven centers of Al-Nahda Philanthropic Society. Al-Nahda is one of Saudi Arabia's oldest and most prominent non-governmental organizations. Its first foundation for women was started in 1962 under the auspices of Princess Sara Al-Faisal and Princess Latifa Al-Faisal. Aside from helping thousands of poor women learn crafts and trades to help support themselves or augment family income, the group helps to provide housing to poor families and operates health awareness programs for poor women. __
