The Social Development Bank (SDB) has launched a crafts training program in Aseer, a partnership with Italy’s Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School.
The initiative, part of SDB’s 2025 specialized training program, offers artisans and freelance professionals training in crafting pieces with copper and gold leaf.
Alchimia Contemporary Jewellery School is a private, studio-based institution located in Florence, Italy, founded in 1998 by jewellery artist Lucia Massei and Doris Maninger. It is among the few schools globally dedicated exclusively to contemporary jewellery design and production.
According to the statement, the program draws inspiration from local heritage, particularly UNESCO-recognized Al-Qatt Al-Asiri art, to create high-quality products that meet market demands and foster sustainable economic opportunities.
The launch event in Abha also featured the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between SDB and the Alchimia school. This partnership aims to transfer global expertise to the local market through specialized training programs nationwide, empowering artisans and enhancing their competitiveness.
This initiative is part of SDB’s broader effort to support craft and creative enterprises. Since its 2023 launch, the specialized training program has benefited over 300 participants through 15 programs, resulting in 250 unique products.
Furthermore, it has also helped 30 percent of participants secure financing and enabled over 150 families working in the cottage industry to expand their operations.
In June 2025, Social Development Bank was honored with the ‘Best AI Transformation Banking Initiative, Saudi Arabia, 2025’ by Global Brands Magazine at its Global Brand Awards. This accolade recognizes SDB’s leadership in digital transformation, leveraging AI to enhance customer experience, operational efficiency, and financial inclusion across the Kingdom.
