The competitions are organized among intermediate and high schools with more than 1,700 students of both genders participating.
In his speech to an enthusiastic audience of students and parents, the governor conveyed to all the greetings from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
“I am proud of you,” said the governor. “You are competing in different fields of culture and sciences, starting from the Qur’an, research, paintings, innovation, art and sport. This is an ambitious competition ... you are a role model for youth in the Kingdom.”
Sultan Al-Dosari, head of public relations at the Makkah governorate, said the governorate has organized the event in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the General Presidency for Youth Welfare, the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiques, and the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He said competitions will be in Qur’an recitation, poetry, innovation, photography, sport and art. Girls are excluded from athletics, which Al-Dosari said is because the competitions adhere to local rules that prohibit girls in public schools from engaging in athletic programs.
“Prince Khaled is interested in youth affairs,” said Al-Dosari.
Speaking about the goals of the forum, he said it mainly aimed at discovering the talent and encourage youth to fill their free time with constructive activities. The forum is also helping the youth of the region meet in person and exchange ideas.
