More than 110 women from various parts of the province participated in the event, which attracted more than 1,800 women.

The women activities included a comic play called “Harimco,” featuring actresses from Egypt, Kuwait and Bahrain in lead roles.

The play focused on the use of modern technology and told the story of a woman who had returned to the region after being educated in the US, trying to convince a matchmaker to use the Internet in her business.

Mimi Jamal, the famous Egyptian film, television and theater actress who had a major role as the friend of the US-educated woman, was not happy about the lack of publicity for the play in Abha.

She claimed that she did not notice any advertisements or posters in the street urging women to come watch the show and also mentioned that none of the people she spoke to had any idea it was taking place.

Some critics said Jamal had no idea about the customs of Saudi society and added that the play was heavily publicized in the local newspapers.

The play was shown first at the Al-Miftaha Theater, where about 500 women watched it. It was also shown at the Crystal Hall, which was not attended by as many people. There were some technical errors at a show attended by Arab News, including feedback from the microphones used by the actresses. Organizers blamed the cast for this because there were no live rehearsals.

Saudi film director Mamdouh Salim was chosen to organize the comedy shows for the festival and was paid more than SR500,000 for the job, according to the festival sources. The sources added that some of the artists were yet to be paid.

The sources also said some conservatives did not like the idea of a special play for women and advised organizers not to make it part of the festival’s program. The sources said organizers ignored them.

Activities for women at the festival included gala nights promoting the popular heritage of the region. They included an Asir night, Rijal Alma night, Jazan night and an Al-Shahrani night. Six musical groups participated.

Supervisor of the women activities Nura Abu Abathan said she would ask organizers to provide special buildings for women during the summer festival.