JEDDAH: The Forum for Entertainment and Tourism … New Horizons will begin in Jeddah on Monday, under the patronage of Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, the king’s adviser and Makkah governor.
More than 30 prominent tourism specialists, investors and decision makers will take part in the three-day forum at the Jeddah Hilton Hotel.
Prince Abdullah bin Saud, chairman of the Tourism and Leisure Committee, and the chairman of the forum, spoke about addressing the biggest challenges facing the tourism sector over eight sessions and a number of workshops.
Participants will discuss local experiences in the field of privatization and partnership between the private and public sectors leading to more initiatives and ideas to boost tourism to achieve Vision 2030 and National Transformation Program goals of reducing the economy’s dependence on oil.
He said that the strategic partnership with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, the General Entertainment Authority, the secretariat of Jeddah, and other relevant authorities will draw attention to the Saudi tourism sector that has lately been developing amid expectations to provide more than 1 million job opportunities in the five coming years.
He indicated that the organization of the forum’s first version coincides with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s launch of the Red Sea project, an international tourism project that will turn 50 Saudi Arabian islands into luxury tourism resorts.
The project will involve the world’s largest and most important hotel companies, as well as launching Al-Faisaliyah project that is considered as a developmental shift toward another Vision 2030 goal which seeks to boost partnerships with the private sector.
The secretary-general of the chamber, Hassan bin Ibrahim Dahlan, said that the forum will focus on new ways to attract more visitors and reduce the rate of Saudis traveling abroad in search of new touristic experiences.
Tourism specialists, investors to discuss Saudi opportunities
Tourism specialists, investors to discuss Saudi opportunities
Sha’abanah festival brings Hijazi heritage to life ahead of Ramadan
Jeddah: The Sha’abanah festival celebrating Hijazi heritage drew more than 18,000 visitors to the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah as part of the city’s pre-Ramadan festivities.
Organized by Vertex 33, the three-day event from Jan. 22-24 offered an immersive celebration of local culture, crafts, and cuisine.
The festival featured local boutiques offering oud incense and perfumes, artisanal shoes and a variety of handcrafted products from local entrepreneurs.
Visitors also enjoyed a range of artistic workshops, such as pottery and mosaic, while children engaged in scented candle-making, art activities by Global Art, and thread kneading to create keychains and home wall hangings with Ramadan themes.
A dining area served traditional Saudi cuisine, coffee, and festive Ramadan treats.
Guests were entertained with live traditional Yanbu’awi performances, Al-Ajal dance displays, and a contemporary Saudi-style DJ, bringing together the energy of modern entertainment with the rich cultural heritage of Hijaz.
The project was led by four young cultural enthusiasts, Abdulaziz Al-Jehani, Abdulmajeed Abualkheer, Ghoroub Al-Barakati and Shahad Abualkheer.
Al-Jehani, CEO of Vertex 33, said Sha’abanah was inspired by a desire to revive the social traditions that once brought Hijazi communities together ahead of Ramadan.
“At Vertex 33, we believe events should feel meaningful, not just entertaining, and Sha’abanah was our way of creating a space where people could reconnect with heritage in a lively, modern setting,” he told Arab News.
“Bringing the festival together took just three months of planning, from concept development and cultural research to vendor selection, design, and on-ground coordination.
“The positive response from attendees has reinforced Vertex 33’s commitment to supporting local artists and making Hijazi heritage central to future events,” he added.
Entrepreneurs taking part in Sha’abanah praised the festival for providing exposure and opportunities to engage directly with customers.
Afraa Damanhouri, founder of RuaqAfraa, said: “We are participating to make scented cake candles for both adults and children. Workshops like these promote business and help people understand the process behind different types of candles.”
Reem Awad, founder and CEO of Black Mus, said: “Through Sha’abanah, we were able to meet our customers face to face, share the story behind our products, and help them understand the range of services and items we offer.”
Chef Fayzah Al-Sulami, who took part in the event preparing and selling her homemade spices and traditional white sweet Saudi coffee, said: “I started teaching cooking on YouTube, and when people asked about the ingredients I use, I began selling my products.
“It was amazing to see so many people take an interest, and sales were strong throughout all three days of the festival.”
With Ramadan approaching, many local entrepreneurs offered gift packages, prayer baskets, homemade traditional coffee, and spices.
Duaa Shukri, founder of Printful, said: “Ramadan is a time for giving. We created unique gift packages for children, teenagers and adults, with thoughtful items.”
