Our History
The Mansoojat Foundation is a UK registered charity founded by a group of Saudi women with a passionate interest in the traditional ethnic textiles and costumes of Arabia.
The Mansoojat Foundation is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich textile heritage of Saudi Arabia. Established in 2002, the Foundation’s mission is to document, conserve, and raise awareness about the traditional costumes and textiles of the various regions and tribes within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Mansoojat Foundation was founded by a group of passionate individuals. Recognizing the urgent need to preserve the disappearing textile traditions of Saudi Arabia, they embarked on a mission to collect and document these cultural artefacts. The foundation’s name, “Mansoojat,” is derived from the Arabic word for “textiles” or “clothing,” reflecting its primary focus.
Recent Articles
Explore & Discover
Najd, Central Region and Eastern Region little girl’s outfit
Najd and Central Region Najd, Central Region and Eastern Region little girl's outfit in pure silk. These thobes were specially commissioned and imported from India. Central Saudi Arabia, or Najd, is a land of desert, escarpment and oases. Traditionally, this region has been populated by nomadic herders and settled farmers. Tribal affiliation is valued and frequently spans the nomad–settler divide.[...]
Najd and Central Region thobe in chiffon
Najd and Central Region Najd and Central Region thobe in chiffon embroidered with sequins and gold thread. Central Saudi Arabia, or Najd, is a land of desert, escarpment and oases. Traditionally, this region has been populated by nomadic herders and settled farmers. Tribal affiliation is valued and frequently spans the nomad–settler divide. From its capital at al-Dir‘iyyah near Riyadh, the[...]
Najd and Central Region thobe of fine tulle
Najd and Central Region Najd and Central Region thobe made of fine tulle with two silk side panels and multicoloured sequined sleeve borders. The yoke is embroidered with gold and silver threads. Central Saudi Arabia, or Najd, is a land of desert, escarpment and oases. Traditionally, this region has been populated by nomadic herders and settled farmers. Tribal affiliation is[...]
Wadi Dawasir silk thobe
Wadi Dawasir, Central Region Wadi Dawasir thobe of silk with very fine embroidery along the front and the two sleeves. These embroidery motifs are repeated on thobes from all over the Central Region and are applied to day and evening garments. Central Saudi Arabia, or Najd, is a land of desert, escarpment and oases. Traditionally, this region has been populated[...]