EP festival brings joy in spring break

Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif inaugurated the Eastern Province Spring Festival this week. It will last for 10 days at Dammam Corniche. The festival coincides with a one-week school break.
The Tourist Development Council (TDC) organized the festival with cooperation from the Saudi Tourism and Antiquities Commission (SCTA). Prominent officials and businessmen from the area are expected to attend it, as well as more than 500,000 visitors from all over the Kingdom and neighboring countries.
Sultan Al-Subaiy, director of the Executive Committee in the TDC, said the festival includes several activities that reflect the history of the area and are good fun for people on their spring break. Families show their handmade products that give an image of heritage and the old life in the Eastern Province.
“The festival features a variety of programs on the Eastern Province’s shores, like the region’s cultural, heritage, entertainment, maritime shows, heritage and more. There will be a display of old dhows, popular bands, sea foods and various competitions for the visitors,” said festival manager Mana Al-Mana.
A program called “Alnoktha Voyage” will demonstrate the old life of Saudi fishermen and divers in the Eastern Province. Divers will show how they extracted pearls from the sea and they will sing their typical songs.
The event also offers tours to a number of historical and touristic landmarks in the Eastern Province to provide a rich tourism experience.
Festival organizer Abdullah Muqbil said that the total budget of the festival is SR 2.5 million. These costs are carried by Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif, the SCTA and TDC in the province, as well as other sponsors.