RIYADH, 16 July — The armed forces will hold a weeklong exhibition featuring exciting air shows as part of the Abha summer festival, the Asir Tourism Board has announced.
The show, which will begin on Wednesday, will include a static display of the army ,navy, air force and air defense forces together with the latest acquisitions in weaponry. There will also be expert briefings for visitors.
According to Farouk Khodr, director of marketing, the exhibition will feature spectacular aerobatics by F-15s and Tornado jet fighters as well as the Saudi Falcons. He said the Navy would present an equally thrilling helicopter show. Parachutists from the Army and the Navy will present breath-taking demonstrations.
On Thursday, Asir Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal would award the annual SR1 million Abha Prize for outstanding achievements in various fields, including education and service to the community. This annual award, endowed by Prince Khaled, is the oldest and the first of its kind in the Kingdom.
The Asir Tourism Board has said that 14 major public and private-sector organizations, including Saudi Arabian Airlines, Saudi Telecom Company and banks, are sponsoring this year’s summer festival. The value of sponsorship is SR250,000 for a single-event, SR500,000 for concerts to SR1 million for principal sponsorship.
The principal sponsor’s name and corporate logo is featured in all telecast programs, including concerts — live or playback — once every 15 minutes throughout the festival. Saudi TV (Channels 1 and 2) will be the principal electronic media to cover the festival events.
A concert sponsor’s name and corporate logo will be highlighted on TV and in all print/advertising material as well as on entry tickets. As for the single-event sponsor, the organization’s name/logo will be publicized on TV, entry tickets and in print material relevant to the event.
The concerts will feature noted Saudi and Gulf singers at the Muftaha Theater.
Renowned Saudi singer Talal Madda was performing on stage at this theater when he died of heart attack in August last year.
Other highlights of the Abha summer festival include cultural programs that will run till Aug. 5.
Rock climbing will be organized in two locations — at Abu Khayal mount on the outskirts of Abha and at the historical site of Al-Habalala. The Abu Khayal mount features a 14-meter high artificial rock-face with a 90-degree angle. This program, immensely popular among the youths, will be on till Aug. 29.
A light-and-sound show featuring laser technology and fireworks will light up Abha’s lake. The visitors could catch a glimpse of the spectacular show from restaurants, parks and cafes surrounding the lake till Aug. 30.
Other highlights include paragliding, dolphin show and women’s concerts. The events will conclude on Aug. 30.
