Several prominent figures, including government officials and businessmen, attended the glittering opening ceremony held at Prince Abdul Ilah Civilization Center in Sakaka.
Al-Asheikh plucked an olive from a tree, marking the opening of the festival. He also gave away mementos to sponsors of the 15-day event. More than 15,000 olive farmers are participating in the event, considered one of the largest economic and investment gatherings in the Kingdom.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad bin Dais Al-Dandani, executive president of the organizing committee, said the Olive Investment and Shopping Festival has become a major landmark in the field of promoting tourism and investment in the region.
“This year the festival has paved the way for attracting private investments,” he said.
The opening ceremony featured a wide variety of cultural activities, including a drama performance and poetic recitations. Young artists from Al-Jouf presented a song on olives. A traditional Ardha dance was also performed on the occasion.
Accompanied by Muhammad bin Hamad Al-Nasser, mayor of Al-Jouf and chairman of the festival’s supreme committee, as well as other senior officials, Al-Asheikh also toured pavilions at the fair.
Hussein bin Ali Al-Khalifa, branch director of the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities in the Al-Jouf region, briefed the dignitaries on the exhibition and pavilions taking part in the event. There are more than 70 exhibitors displaying their products at the festival.
Al-Jouf boasts of 14 million olive trees that yield 80,000 tons of olives and 60,000 tons of oil annually.
