Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Maqoushi has served as Saudi Arabia’s cultural attache in London, United Kingdom, since March 2017. He also holds the post of assistant director-general for cultural affairs and public information at Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Charitable Foundation. He is also an associate professor of media at Imam Muhammad Bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh.
He has previously served as assistant secretary-general for public information affairs at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh, and also as chairman of the National Products Center in Riyadh. In addition, he has been executive director of Riyadh Chamber Award for Community Service, and the assistant secretary-general of the Disabled Children Association.
He gained a Ph.D. in international journalism in 1994 from the University of Wales in the UK. He also holds a masters degree in international journalism which he obtained in 1990 from Ohio University in the US. Al-Maqoushi earned his bachelor’s degree in media in 1985 from Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh.
Al-Maqoushi has written several books in Arabic in the field of media and other topics. He has also written in a number of Saudi newspapers such as Al-Riyadh.
He has been a member of the executive committee and chairman of the information committee at King Salman Science Oasis. Moreover, Al-Maqoushi has been a member of the resource development committee at King Salman Center for Disability Research. He was a member of the established committee to prepare the National AIDS Awareness Strategy in the Ministry of Health.
FaceOf: Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Maqoushi, Saudi Arabia’s cultural attache in London
FaceOf: Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Maqoushi, Saudi Arabia’s cultural attache in London
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
