Taif chosen as Arab Summer Capital

The Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) has named Taif as the Arab Summer Capital for 2014.
Bandar Al-Faheed, president of the organization, told Arab News that the program this year has more than 60 events.
The decision to declare the city the Arab summer capital took place at the ATO office in Jeddah on Tuesday after discussions between Al-Faheed, Taif Gov. Fahad bin Muammar, Mohammed Ahmed Tyab, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Makhraj, mayor of Taif, and diplomats from various Arab countries.
Muammar, who is also president of the local Tourism Development Council, said events started last month and would continue until the end of 2014.
Bahrain will participate in a planned cultural week with Manama twinning with Taif. Manama was recently chosen as the Arab and Asian tourism capital.
Muammar said all events would be presented to Makkah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah for approval.
He said Taif has always enjoyed the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and the country’s leadership in terms of the development of its tourism industry.
He said Souk Okaz, which former Makkah governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal started, has become an important annual event with traditional, cultural, historical, educational, entertainment and sports activities.
He said there are several ambitious projects planned for Taif including a science and technology city over 13 square kilometers, and King Abdullah Park Project over 150,000 square meters with a variety of entertainment and service facilities. All these projects would help Taif attract more tourists.
Al-Makhraj said he was hopeful that the decision would ensure further cooperation between Arab counties.
He said Souk Okaz was important because it represents the culture, tradition and heritage of the Kingdom.
Taif development agencies recently completed 159 out of 513 infrastructure and service projects in the governorate. A total of 288 are under construction and another 66 were approved as part of the 2013 budget.