The sand festival featuring sand sculpture and drawing kicked off Thursday at Al-Uqair beach in Al-Ahsa. The event, organized by Al-Ahsa Municipality, will go on three days from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Municipality media spokesman Badr Al-Shehab said the festival is part of the Kingdom’s endeavor to play an important role in promoting and developing tourism in Al-Ahsa given its geographical, cultural and historical position in the Kingdom.

He said: “The Municipality has completed all preparations in Al-Uqair beach for the festival.”

Municipality services deputy Eng. Abdullah Al-Arfaj said the objective behind the festival is to encourage large sand sculptures and colored models of landmarks, with the participation of visitors.

Al-Arfaj said: “The event will also have mini-equipment and integrated arenas for competitions and training programs on sand sculpture, painting, and sea construction.

The festival will have several activities like children’s favorite maritime dolls and conducting clean Al-Uqair beach campaign.”

“There will also be pamphlets to promote awareness levels and to raise cultural understanding, competitions, awards, classic cars show and promoting clay sculpture art and innovations,” he added.