Arar, August (پاکستان پوائنٹ نیوز 27 أغسطس 2025ء) Craftsman Nidal Faisal Al-Obaid said that the 'naddaf' is the artisan who cleans, processes, and softens cotton and wool using traditional tools, reshaping them into mattresses, quilts, and pillows that have always adorned the homes of the region before the spread of modern industries.
Al-Obaid noted that although industrial development has introduced ready-made alternatives, the craft continues to exist among a number of residents in Arar and the region’s governorates, where artisans still practice it with skill, relying on expertise passed down from their fathers and grandfathers.
Northern Borders Region, known for its pastoral nature and abundance of livestock—particularly sheep—has long provided an ample supply of wool. This availability has helped sustain the craft of Al-Naddafa by ensuring the continuity of its Primary raw material and boosting its role within the local community.
Products of Al-Naddafa are distinguished by their high quality, authentic handmade character, and reliance on environmentally friendly natural materials, making them sought after at heritage exhibitions and national festivals celebrating Saudi identity and folk heritage.
The craft has evolved to meet modern needs. Some artisans have replaced traditional tools with simple machines that help fluff and smooth wool more quickly, while preserving the spirit and uniqueness of the craft. The making of bedding and quilts has become more organized, starting with the selection of wool, followed by cleaning and smoothing, before being stuffed into locally woven fabrics. The final product emerges stronger, more elegant, and aligned with contemporary tastes, without losing its authenticity.
The Heritage Commission and the Ministry of Culture are working to support handicrafts as part of the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030, through programs designed to empower artisans, develop their products, and market them locally and internationally, transforming these traditional professions into promising industries.
