JEDDAH, 13 June 2007 — Plans have been approved to establish a mega tourism project in Jeddah and hold Abhur Festival and Okaz Souk Festival to attract a large number of tourists to the region, according to Prince Sultan ibn Salman, secretary-general of the Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT). Prince Sultan made this announcement following a meeting with Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal in Jeddah.
“It has been agreed to set up a tourism development council for the Makkah region under the chairmanship of the governor,” he told reporters. “The Makkah governor reviewed some projects in Jeddah and Taif and gave instructions to establish a comprehensive tourism project like Al-Oqair project in the Eastern Province. It will become a major tourist attraction in Jeddah,” Sultan said. He did not say how much the project would cost.
According to press reports, Prince Sultan had previously signed a SR2.08 million contract with an international consultancy company to prepare a plan for Red Sea projects, which would include hotels and recreation centers.
The SCT chief said Prince Khaled also agreed to develop Old Jeddah in preparation to register the place as an international heritage site. “A five-year plan for basic tourism projects in Jeddah and Taif will be presented within the next few weeks,” he said.
Speaking about the Abhur Festival, Sultan said it would be organized as a large-scale national annual festival beginning from Ramadan, the fasting month that is scheduled to start on Sept. 13.
Prince Sultan also spoke about tourism projects and programs in Taif, which is considered the Kingdom’s premier tourist center.
“In the coming phase, the focus will be on Taif, which will be developed to become a major tourist attraction. We will also organize agricultural and rose festivals in the city,” he said, adding that the Okaz Souk festival would be launched this year.
The Okaz fair occurred during the first 20 days of Dul Qaada, the 11th month of the Hijri year. Traders brought goods on camels and donkeys to the market. Bedouin crafts such as rugs, camelhair tents, sheepskins, pottery, tools, jewelry, perfumes, produce and spices were some of the products sold at the fair. There were cultural contests for poets and singers to add color to the festival. According to Saudi archaeologists, the Okaz Souk lasted until around 760 AD.
Prince Sultan said the Jeddah meeting had also discussed the preparations for summer festivals.
