The Mansoojat Foundation
Every garment carries a story. We make sure it is not forgotten.
The Mansoojat Foundation protects the traditional textiles and costumes of Saudi Arabia – capturing the skills, identities, and histories woven into each piece, and passing this living heritage on to future generations.
About Us
Origins and Founding
Founded in 2002, The Mansoojat Foundation is dedicated to documenting, conserving, and celebrating the rich textile and costume traditions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Its mission responds to an urgent need: the preservation of regional and tribal dress practices that were rapidly disappearing under the pressures of modernisation and globalisation.
Established by a group of passionate cultural advocates, the Foundation set out to safeguard these fragile traditions through careful research, collecting, and documentation. The name Mansoojat—derived from the Arabic word for “textiles” or “woven materials”—reflects the organisation’s core focus on clothing as a vital expression of identity, memory, and place.
What we do
Since its founding, The Mansoojat Foundation has developed a wide-ranging programme to protect and promote Saudi Arabia’s textile heritage through research, preservation, and public engagement.
Research and Collections
Through extensive fieldwork across the Kingdom—including the Asir, Hejaz, Najd, and Eastern Province—the Foundation has built a significant collection of traditional garments, accessories, and textiles. Each object is carefully documented to preserve its material, cultural context, and techniques.
Exhibitions and Publications
Mansoojat curates and contributes to exhibitions in Saudi Arabia and internationally, showcasing regional embroidery, weaving traditions, and distinctive design languages. This work is supported by authoritative books and catalogues that serve as key resources for researchers, curators, educators, and collectors.
Education and Partnerships
Workshops and educational programmes play a central role in passing traditional skills to younger generations, supporting cultural continuity and pride. The Foundation works closely with museums, universities, and cultural institutions in Saudi Arabia and abroad to extend the reach of its collection and foster international dialogue around Saudi textile heritage.
Impact and legacy
Over more than two decades, The Mansoojat Foundation has played a pivotal role in safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s textile traditions. By collecting, conserving, and sharing these garments, the Foundation has ensured that invaluable cultural knowledge is not lost.
Its work has also helped stimulate renewed interest in traditional dress—both within the Kingdom and internationally – highlighting textiles not as relics of the past, but as dynamic expressions of identity and creativity. Through exhibitions, publications, and education, Mansoojat continues to inspire new generations to value and sustain the traditions of their ancestors.
Looking Ahead
The Mansoojat Foundation is committed to building on this legacy. Future priorities include expanding the collection, strengthening education and public engagement, and increasing global access to its resources.
Key ambitions include the creation of a dedicated museum to house and interpret the collection, alongside the development of digital archives that will make Mansoojat’s holdings accessible to researchers, practitioners, and the wider public worldwide.
By preserving and promoting Saudi Arabia’s textile heritage, The Mansoojat Foundation ensures that this essential cultural legacy remains visible, valued, and alive for generations to come.
Our Mission
Our Objectives
Latest News
Explore & Discover
Bisat Al Reeh Exhibition 2022
Bisat Al Reeh Exhibition 2022 Find us in Booth A48 at Jeddah Super Dome
Royal Society for Asian Affairs Webinar 2021
A webinar from the Royal Society for Asian Affairs talk with Richard Wilding and Hamida Alireza of The Mansoojat Foundation.
Singapore Heritage Fest Singapore, August 2010
In August 2010, The Mansoojat Foundation presented selected garments from its collection at the Singapore HeritageFest, sharing the richness of traditional Saudi dress with international audiences. Set within Singapore’s dynamic multicultural landscape, the festival provided a meaningful platform for cultural exchange. Visitors engaged with the craftsmanship, symbolism and regional identities[...]
Recent Articles
Explore & Discover
Hijaz boys’ two piece embroidered velvet suit
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz boys' two piece embroidered velvet suit dating to c.1930. This style was restricted for the use of young boys. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most sacred spot on Earth, and, with Mount Arafat a few[...]
Hijaz outfit
Hijaz, Western Region Hijaz outfit comprising the inner silk zaboon under the fine organza thobe. Casual day outfits were made in the same way except that the fabric was plain or printed cotton. The Ka‘bah at Makkah (first established at the time of the prophet Abraham) is for Muslims the “Bait Allah” or “House of God”. It is the most[...]
Najd, Central Region and Eastern Region thobe of fine Indian silk
Najd and Central Region Najd, Central Region and Eastern Region thobe of fine Indian silk embroidered with sequins and gold thread. The sleeves are voluminous and are brought around to cover the head. 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[...]
Qassim thick wool woman’s aba
Qassim, Northern Region Qassim thick wool woman's aba (cloak) embroidered with gold thread and having elaborate gold thread tassels. This type of aba is for the bride to wear on her wedding night. The mountains of Jabal Shammar shield northern Najd from the sands of the Great Nafud desert. Grazing is good and the area was famed for its Arabian[...]