Saudi Souq Okaz festival set to become major tourist attraction

There are more than 30 facilities equipped to host the shows and events at the festival. (File/AFP)
Updated 17 June 2018
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Saudi Souq Okaz festival set to become major tourist attraction

  • It is organized by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) in cooperation with various government bodies
  • Okaz Avenue for Culture, organized by the SCTH, is one of the souq’s most important features

Saudi Arabia is all set to organize yet another mega cultural event, Souq Okaz, which has all the potential of becoming a major tourist attraction. 

The 12th edition of the festival will begin in Taif on June 27 and continue until July 13 under the patronage of King Salman.

It is organized by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) in cooperation with various government bodies. 

The SCTH is working overtime to transform Saudi Arabia into a major global tourism hub. Commenting on the SCTH efforts, Taif University President Husam Zaman said the addition of new activities to the 12th edition of Souq Okaz will give a huge boost to the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

The academic said the SCTH is building a unique tourism and cultural ecosystem in Souq Okaz. The success of the SCTH’s efforts will transform this annual festival into a modern event, he added. 

He was of the view that the repackaging of Souq Okaz was in line with the Kingdom’s policies aimed at diversifying its economy and reforming all sectors. 

There are more than 30 facilities equipped to host the shows and events at the festival, in addition to the Prince Khaled Al-Faisal Theater, the open stadium for popular art, auctions and souvenir shops. The souq will also feature shops for craftsmen, restaurants, a media center and a mini horseracing track. 

Okaz Avenue for Culture, organized by the SCTH, is one of the souq’s most important features, which this year will host more than 150 attractions, including heritage and cultural events, theater performances, and arts and crafts.

New events this year include presentations of stories from the life of poets such as Amr bin Kalthoum, Antra bin Shaddad, Zuhair bin Abi Salma, Emreo Al-Qais, Tarafa bin Al-Abd, Al-Asha and Qais Saeda, along with many other shows.

“The project will be the first all-inclusive tourist attraction in Saudi Arabia and is expected to attract more than 2 million tourists every year and will help boost the gross domestic product by SR9 billion, and create 12,000 new job opportunities,” Zaman said.

He also believes Souq Okaz will provide a good environment for investors.

The president of Taif University said the completion of the Souq Okaz city is one of Vision 2030’s targets, which include rapidly establishing and developing tourist attractions and encouraging the private sector to invest in them.

He said: “Through our contribution to the preparation and implementation of the cultural program of Souq Okaz, Taif University aims to link the project’s activities with the objectives of Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program 2020 by supporting the arts, cultural, and tourism sectors.

“The efforts of Taif University and its partners in this project will have a significant impact on refining the skills of local artists, improving domestic products, and strengthening the Kingdom’s international tourism status.”

According to Zaman, Taif University is keen through its role in the cultural committee to present an interactive cultural program during the festival.

“The program will be full of cultural seminars, poetry and literary and creative competitions,” he added.

The academic said the cultural program of Souq Okaz is renewed every year, and among development efforts, the cultural committee decided to restructure the contests of the festival’s 12th edition.

“This year’s contests include the Souq Okaz Film Contest,” he said, “It targets the Kingdom’s filmmakers who managed to turn their creative ideas into films and aims to encourage competition among them and promote creative thinking that contributes to supporting the economy.”

“The cultural program’s development initiatives also include an international calligraphy award and a graffiti award,” he said. 

“The committee has also decided to expand the theatrical performance contest to accept participants from other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.”


Makkah royal commission showcases city’s cultural, tourist offerings at World Travel Market

Updated 14 min 9 sec ago
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Makkah royal commission showcases city’s cultural, tourist offerings at World Travel Market

  • Saudi minister of tourism speaks of Kingdom’s investment in sector

LONDON: The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites this week showcased key projects that highlight the Saudi city’s rich cultural and historical significance, as part of the Saudi delegation at the World Travel Market 2024 in London.

Major initiatives featured by the RCMC included the Hira Cultural District, the Revelation Exhibition, the Kiswa Factory of the Holy Kaaba, and the Institute of Manuscripts and Revival of Islamic Heritage.

The RCMC pavilion also provided insights into major infrastructure developments, such as Makkah’s public transportation system.

This system, with 12 bus routes covering all neighborhoods, is designed to ensure seamless, reliable travel and improve the quality of life for both residents and visiting pilgrims.

This year’s World Travel Market event, which finished on Thursday, also saw Ahmed Al-Khateeb, the Saudi minister of tourism and chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, launch the Kingdom’s participation with the Saudi Land Pavilion.

The pavilion included the Visit Saudi exhibition, organized by the Saudi Tourism Authority for the fourth consecutive year and supported by more than 70 partners in the sector, including destinations, hotels, airlines and travel companies.

Al-Khateeb said: “Saudi Arabia, the fastest-growing tourist destination globally, seeks to solidify its leadership in world tourism, aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals by highlighting unique destinations, new projects, and significant investment opportunities.”

He added: “Saudi Arabia is the largest global investor in the tourism sector.”


Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor

Updated 36 min 54 sec ago
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Meet Reman Assere, Saudi Arabia’s youngest Arabic calligraphy instructor

  • She became the youngest certified instructor at the age of just 11
  • Assere now tutors students of all ages

MAKKAH: After qualifying at just 11 years old, Reman Assere officially became Saudi Arabia’s youngest calligraphy instructor.

Her journey started in fifth grade, sparked by a school activity. She began with basic exercises but, with continuous practice and self-learning through platforms such as YouTube, she steadily refined her skills.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. (Supplied)

Her ambitions and her love of the art drove her to undertake professional training in Kufic calligraphy, believed to be the earliest example of a universal style of Arabic calligraphy. Once qualified, she was registered on the Ministry of Culture’s official platform, Al-Khattat.

What truly set her apart and caught people’s attention was her relentless dedication to learning. Even during vacations, she practiced tirelessly, seeking out special events and connecting with other calligraphers.

FASTFACT

Reman Assere’s ambitions and her love of the art drove her to undertake professional training in Kufic calligraphy.

Now aged 15, Assere told Arab News that her professional training was carried out under the guidance Shurooq Al-Harbi. She also highlighted the pivotal role played in her development by Prof. Siraj Al-Omari, whose ongoing support and encouragement were instrumental.

Today, Assere has become proficient in both in writing and teaching Kufic calligraphy and is expanding her expertise to include the Diwani style.

Reman Assere

However, her journey has been far from easy. A lack of calligraphy institutes in her native region of Abha posed considerable challenges and meant she had to rely on online courses or travel to other cities.

It was worth it, however. Her numerous awards include first place in the 2023 Cultural Skills Competition and the Ministry of Education’s National Olympiad for Arabic Calligraphy. She has also demonstrated her talents at prominent events, such as the Layalina Festival in Wadi Al-Dawasir and the Abha Shopping and Entertainment Festival.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. (Supplied)

Assere has also led courses at the Holy Mosque Library in Makkah and organized calligraphy workshops in schools.

Today, she is recognized as one of the most influential trainers in Arabic calligraphy, teaching across all age groups. She takes pride in seeing her students compete in calligraphy competitions, a testament to the success of her approach and teaching methods.

Reman Assere has become proficient in both in writing and teaching Kufic calligraphy and is expanding her expertise to include the Diwani style. (Supplied)

Even in an age of rapid technological advancements, Assere is confident that calligraphy’s unique beauty will endure. She believes the future is bright for students and trainees, as the art of calligraphy continues to inspire and cultivate creativity.

She explained how the beauty of Arabic calligraphy is in the balance and harmony of its letters, with fluid lines that interlace. For Assere, Arabic calligraphy not only captures the essence and grace of the Arabic language, but it also allows the writer to convey thoughts and emotions.

Arabic calligraphy is celebrated for its variety of styles, including Kufic, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, and Ruq’ah, each with a unique character and distinct lettering technique. Rooted in precise geometric principles, Arabic calligraphy achieves a harmonious visual balance, allowing for flexibility in letter formation, overlapping designs, and intricate decorative motifs.

Assere said: “The beauty of Arabic calligraphy extends beyond writing; it is a visual art that enhances both artworks and decorations. Over time, it has become a cultural symbol that embodies Arab and Islamic identity.”

 

 


Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF

Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s urban planning on display at WUF

  • The pavilion highlighted prominent Saudi infrastructure development initiatives, in line with international quality standards, that meet the needs of residents and visitors of Saudi cities

CAIRO: The Saudi pavilion at the World Urban Forum in Cairo this week hosted a series of workshops and bilateral meetings on the Kingdom’s strategies and projects in comprehensive urban planning.

The Saudi presence also underlined the positive effect of these strategies on achieving sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life in Saudi cities, in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

Through representatives and officials of the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and more than 30 national entities, the Saudi pavilion showed the Kingdom’s efforts to adopt and expand comprehensive urban planning practices focused on sustainability, and apply the requirement to study environmental impact in municipal and investment projects.

The meetings highlighted the concept of smart municipalities aimed at improving the quality of municipal services in Saudi regions and adopting modern technologies and enhanced municipal regulations for smart city policies, as well as the use of artificial intelligence technologies and data in improving the quality of life.

The pavilion highlighted prominent Saudi infrastructure development initiatives, in line with international quality standards, that meet the needs of residents and visitors of Saudi cities, the Saudi Press Agency reported, in addition to urban landscape development projects and visual distortion treatment projects.

 

 


Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises

Updated 08 November 2024
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Saudi foreign minister, Blinken discuss regional crises

  • Two discussed ongoing efforts to address the issues in Gaza and Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke on the phone on Friday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, they reviewed regional issues, with a particular focus on Gaza and Lebanon and ongoing efforts to address the issues there, SPA added.

In a separate call on Friday with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Blinken stressed the need to stop the fighting in Sudan and the need to support efforts to form a civilian government, the State Department said.

Blinken also discussed the need to expand humanitarian access to Sudan and thanked the UAE for its provision of aid for Gaza and Lebanon, according to a State Department statement.


Craft program agreement signed in Jeddah

Updated 5 sec ago
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Craft program agreement signed in Jeddah

  • The agreement was signed during a visit by Princess Jawaher bint Turki bin Abdullah, chairperson of the programs and activities committee at the endowment organization

JEDDAH: The Princess Seeta bint Abdul Aziz endowment organization, or Wqfsba, has signed an agreement with the Daam Association for the Care of Divorced Women, Widows and their Children. It aims to support the programs and projects set for 2025, including research collaborations, supporting craft and industrial projects, as well as training and empowering beneficiaries and their children to be self-reliant.

The agreement was signed during a visit by Princess Jawaher bint Turki bin Abdullah, chairperson of the programs and activities committee at the endowment organization, to an exhibition held by the Daam association in Jeddah, showcasing the products made by beneficiaries.

The exhibition aims to support beneficiary families and promote community programs focusing on empowering women as well as supporting handicraft projects.