Qemam festival promotes Saudi heritage sites in Asir

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A total of 16 Saudi folk bands and 14 international groups will perform at the festival. (SPA)
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A total of 16 Saudi folk bands and 14 international groups will perform at the festival. (SPA)
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A total of 16 Saudi folk bands and 14 international groups will perform at the festival. (SPA)
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A total of 16 Saudi folk bands and 14 international groups will perform at the festival. (SPA)
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A total of 16 Saudi folk bands and 14 international groups will perform at the festival. (SPA)
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Updated 21 January 2023
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Qemam festival promotes Saudi heritage sites in Asir

  • Qemam festival seeks to highlight the rich folklore and heritage of the Kingdom, as well as contributing to the development of the theater and performing arts sector

RIYADH: The second Qemam International Festival for Mountain Performance Arts is taking place in seven sites across the Asir region.

The festival, which is organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, continues until Jan. 27.




A total of 16 Saudi folk bands and 14 international groups will perform at the festival. (SPA)

The event includes a lively carnival parade in Art Street in Abha, which showcases costumes, folk performances, and floats beautifully decorated in the colors of participating countries.

The festival features 16 Saudi folk bands and 14 international groups.




A total of 16 Saudi folk bands and 14 international groups will perform at the festival. (SPA)

Theater and Performing Arts Commission CEO Sultan Al-Bazei said that Qemam is the first global festival to promote heritage sites, in addition to featuring mountain performance arts.

Asir locations in the spotlight include Basta Al-Qabil, Abu Shahra Palace in Al-Masqi, Shamsan Castle, Bin Adwan Heritage Village, Malik Historical Palace, Al-Mushait Palaces, and the Castles of Abu Nuqata Al-Mutahmi.




A total of 16 Saudi folk bands and 14 international groups will perform at the festival. (SPA)

Al-Bazei added that visitors to the festival will be introduced to young talents through a variety of musical and art performing shows. These include cultural activities that are not usually found in modern cities.

Qemam festival seeks to highlight the rich folklore and heritage of the Kingdom, as well as contributing to the development of the theater and performing arts sector.




A total of 16 Saudi folk bands and 14 international groups will perform at the festival. (SPA)

It celebrates culture in a distinctive festive atmosphere, while helping to develop the sector, in line with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the country’s national strategy.

Al-Bazei said that the event aims to build on the success achieved by the first festival. It intends to raise the level of awareness of local and international arts and ancient heritage, and provides an opportunity for visitors to explore local history.




A total of 16 Saudi folk bands and 14 international groups will perform at the festival. (SPA)

Abha Literary Club has joined with the festival to present a cultural program through seminars and workshops about performing arts, with the participation of Saudi and international experts.

Each festival site hosts a group of events in allocated areas, such as the exhibition of costumes and theater, village folk activities, platforms for live music, a children’s area, craft shops, and a variety of stores selling different goods, gifts, fashionable clothing, and souvenirs.

There are also live cooking shows with the participation of well-known local chefs.

Visitors have the opportunity to participate in activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and camping, which can be arranged with local tourism companies.

 

 


Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. (Supplied)
Updated 15 February 2026
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Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema

  • Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do

DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.

This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements. 

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. (Supplied)

The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.

The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.

FASTFACTS

• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.

• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.

Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.

Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”

Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema. 

“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”

Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.

By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.