JEDDAH, 6 July — Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed opened an international freestyle parachute-jumping tournament here as part of the Jeddah tourism festival. Teams from 12 countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Bahrain, are taking part in the annual event.

Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary-general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism and chairman of the Saudi Aviation Club which has organized the tournament said the aviation club, which was approved by the Cabinet two years ago, was still in the formative stage. "The club’s activities will comply with international safety standards," he added.

Prince Sultan said the club will supervise activities such as parachute jumping, air show and educational and cultural programs in coordination with universities.

On Thursday, Prince Abdul Majeed inaugurated the new expansion of the Mirsal tourist village here. Haithem Naseer, executive director of the village, briefed the governor on its various facilities.

Prince Faisal ibn Abdullah, head of the National Guard in the Western Province, commended the Mirsal project as a pioneering venture to attract tourists.

Meanwhile, 76 professional and amateur players are taking part in the open squash tournament organized by the Saudi Squash Federation as part of the Jeddah festival.

Mishaal Al-Sudairy, tourism-marketing supervisor at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told Arab News that the finals of the tournament will be held at the Meridien Health Club on Thursday and Friday.

He said the first three winners will receive cash prizes worth SR4,000, SR3,000 and SR2,000 respectively, in addition to other prizes.

The event reflects the support of hotels to the festival, he added.

Bandar Al-Otaiby, the Kingdom’s national player, as well as several Saudis and expatriates are taking part in the tournament which opened last Tuesday.