ABHA, 9 July — The fourth Abha shopping festival will be inaugurated by Asir Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal tomorrow. The 30-day festival full of fun and recreation is expected to prove a great draw for children and families. Being held under the guidance of Prince Bandar ibn Saud ibn Khalid Al-Saud, it is organized by Saudi Trading & Resources Co. Ltd. (Star). The festival’s business and cultural aspects will be of interest to visitors who are flocking the southern region to spend their summer vacation. Khalid Mehmood Al-Sharfa, general manager of the company and chief organizer of the festival, said: “The festival is being timed amid cool weather and school vacation so we expect a daily turnout of 25,000 visitors and 50 percent more at weekends. Horse riding, amusement parks, baby cars, circus, children’s theaters, competitions for children, car jumping and many other activities will enthrall children. Alongside Saudi companies, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Yemen, Syria and Bahrain have set up country pavilions. According to a rough estimate, exhibitor companies numbering 300 will make a SR1 billion business through the 30-day festival program,” he said. (Javid Hassan)
