The province of Tizi Ouzou hosted the regional selection stage for the National Handicraft Award. A committee led by Ahmed Ben Abdelhadi evaluated 129 craft products submitted by artisans from 14 central provinces. The entries represent seven categories: wood, metal, leather, textiles, clay, glass, and wool, with the goal of selecting seven finalists. Ben Abdelhadi noted that further selection rounds are scheduled for the country's eastern and western regions, with expectations of reaching over 700 total entries in this 24th anniversary edition. Azzedine Abdous, director of the local Chamber of Handicrafts and Trades, emphasized the significance of hosting this regional event, noting the high quality and distinctiveness of the products presented by the local artisans.