The monthlong festival has been organized by Qalb Al-Aalam (Heart of the World) Company in partnership with Mobily. The prince also witnessed the signing of a partnership contract, launched the festival’s site on the Internet and said tourist festivals will help boost the national economy.

Activities relating to the festival will begin on Wednesday in four different locations in Hail.

Prince Abdul Aziz lauded the role being played by private companies in encouraging domestic tourism and said Mobily has positively contributed to the success of three previous Hail festivals.

He also praised the efforts of Prince Sultan bin Salman, chairman of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), which is working to boost tourism in the region. He also said Prince Sultan is a strong supporter of tourism in Hail.

“Tourists from inside the Kingdom and abroad can taste culture in Hail … and enjoy the region’s natural beauty and the hospitality of its people,” he said.

Mubarak bin Fraif Al-Salamah, executive director of SCTA in Hail, said the festival is aimed at families, children and the youth. He said the festival is also employing youngsters enrolled at the Tourist and Antiquities College in Hail.

Hamoud Al-Ghibaini, vice chairman of Mobily, said the company is sponsoring the festival because of its social responsibility program. He added that the company’s investments in the region have exceeded SR300 million, which has been spent on communications towers and cables.

Khalaf Al-Fadaghi, chairman of the festival’s organizing committee, said 400 job opportunities have been created for women to work in a folklore market that is part of the festival. He added that over 250 youths will be employed to work during the festival.