What it is
UNESCO describes Al Sadu as a textile woven by Bedouin women on a ground loom from natural fibres, with geometric designs in rhythmic repetition and symmetry and bright reds and oranges.
Craft and patterns
The finer the yarn, the more delicate the pattern. UNESCO’s photo file names patterns such as Owairjan, Durus Al Khail, Dhalaah, Huboob and Mathkhar; Sadu makes tents, carpets, pillows and camel-saddle decorations.
Who carries it
Older master weavers transmit the skill mostly at home, supported by associations, classes, workshops and exhibitions.
UNESCO listing
First inscribed in 2020 (Saudi Arabia and Kuwait); re-inscribed on an extended basis to include Qatar at the 20th Committee session (New Delhi, 2025), replacing the 2020 file.