JEDDAH: On behalf of King Salman, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar on Tuesday honored 26 recipients of King Abdul Aziz Award for Quality at a hotel in Riyadh.
The award focuses on supporting and promoting the best professional practices and institutional excellence in the nonprofit sector. It is open to both charities and other nonprofit organizations.
This award is the Kingdom’s version of the International Quality Awards. Its vision is to be distinctive and pioneering at the national, regional and global levels and achieve its objectives to improve the quality of services and productivity in the Kingdom.
The award was launched in 2007 at a quality conference in the Eastern Province, which featured 22 nominees.
The award has ethical dimensions reflected in the use of King Abdul Aziz’s name in the award as well as the patronage of the Saudi king. Therefore, winners reap the many benefits at all levels, locally, regionally and globally.
Major Saudi award honors excellence in nonprofit sector
Major Saudi award honors excellence in nonprofit sector
- The award has ethical dimensions reflected in the use of King Abdul Aziz’s name in the award as well as the patronage of the Saudi king
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.
