20-05-2025
Saudi program to train rural women in leathercraft
RIYADH: The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, known as Saudi Reef, has launched its first vocational empowerment training in leather industries for rural women in Al-Kharj governorate.
The program aims to promote entrepreneurship and support the national economy in line with Vision 2030 goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It provides rural women with practical skills in leather manufacturing to help develop their small businesses and improve the marketing of their products.
Majed Al-Buraikan, Saudi Reef assistant secretary-general for media and communication, said 15 rural women are participating in the training, which covers value-added leather production, design, product diversification, quality control, and business management.
The program includes training in business planning, cost management, marketing, and branding to help participants establish viable ventures, according to SPA.
Recently, the UN World Tourism Organization recognized Saudi Reef's role in supporting sustainable development through its link with rural tourism.
Basmah Al-Mayman, UNWTO Middle East director, in a letter to Saudi Reef Secretary-General Ghassan Bakri commended the program for organizing rural tourism events in various regions of the Kingdom.
UNWTO expressed interest in collaborating with Saudi Reef on initiatives focused on sustainable community development and rural tourism.
