Riyadh: The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) is participating in the World Defense Show 2026, being held in Riyadh from February 8 to 12. Organized by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), the show brings together government entities and major national and international companies across the five defense sectors.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Wrth's participation includes two joint projects with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of National Guard. These initiatives aim to enhance the presence of traditional Saudi arts within the military sector, highlighting them as a language of national identity capable of engaging with diverse industries. The projects present these arts to the public within contemporary contexts that reflect the Kingdom's values and cultural symbolism, combining modern design with visual heritage.
As part of its collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, Wrth is conducting a live, interactive workshop for the public. This hands-on learning experience enables visitors to create a traditional incense burner (mabkhara) from rammed earth. The workshop introduces participants to the craft through meticulously planned steps and materials. It builds upon previous collaborations that promote traditional arts, highlighting the incense burner as a symbol of generosity and hospitality in Saudi culture, offering an inspiring experience for local and international audiences.
The collaboration with the Ministry of National Guard underscores the presence of traditional arts within the military sector. The project features a defense vehicle adorned with traditional motifs inspired by Najdi doors, reflecting the identity of the World Defense Show and the concept of "defense integration."
The project demonstrates how traditional motifs and symbols can be transformed into a contemporary visual language that showcases Saudi identity in unconventional contexts, affirming that art has a place even in the field of defense.