The nine-day Alkhobar festival that kicks off on Jan. 15 is expected to boost the tourism industry in the region, a leading city official said on Wednesday.

Mayor of Alkhobar Municipality Essam Al-Mulla said the festival, entitled Live Your Mood, would be held for the second consecutive year during the mid-year holidays.

Al-Mulla said the Eastern Province and Alkhobar municipalities have completed preparations for the event. The activities would be held in several places, including Alkhobar’s waterfront, Half-Moon Beach, and malls.

He said the festival’s activities would attract people of all ages. Families would enjoy the festive atmosphere and have a pleasant time, he said.

“Alkhobar municipality is seeking with the festival to create partnerships between the public and private sectors. There is an urgent need to strengthen the tourism industry by holding appropriate festivals.”

Al-Mulla said details of the festival would be revealed soon. He said Alkhobar welcomes millions of visitors throughout the year from all cities in the Kingdom and Gulf countries.

“The festival mainly aims to highlight the resources in Alkhobar to make it one of the most important tourist destinations in the Kingdom,” Al-Mulla said.