Makkah’s Fawanees festival hailed as ‘groundbreaking cultural phenomenon’

With more than 200 exhibitors in the Ramadan Market section, visitors also have plenty of options for food and beverages. (supplied)
Short Url
Updated 23 March 2024
Follow

Makkah’s Fawanees festival hailed as ‘groundbreaking cultural phenomenon’

Makkah: The Fawanees festival, an annual event organized by the Makkah Chamber and endorsed by the Ministry of Culture, has attracted many visitors this Ramadan, according to its organizers.

Held at the Makkah Chamber’s Exhibition and Events Center, the festival is billed as offering “a diverse range of entertainment, cultural, social and artistic experiences.”

With more than 200 exhibitors in the Ramadan Market section, visitors also have plenty of options for food and beverages.

The event includes live shows and entertainment zones “for all age groups,” including a petting zoo and the Fawanees Studio, which features influencers, entrepreneurs, and exhibitors sharing their insights and experiences.

Dr. Turki bin Suleiman Al-Amro, secretary-general of the Makkah Chamber, underscored the significance of innovative event curation for community engagement, and said that such initiatives nurture local talent and foster economic growth.

“Fawanees has emerged as a groundbreaking social, commercial, and cultural phenomenon for Makkah’s residents and visitors during the holy month of Ramadan,” he said.

“By championing numerous small-scale ventures and cultivating a vibrant entertainment scene, Fawanees encourages families and individuals to partake in its festivities, thereby bolstering the economic landscape of Makkah, enhancing local production, and improving the quality of life in alignment with the objectives of Vision 2030.

“This event not only provides an innovative entertainment experience, but also serves as a platform to support small and medium-sized enterprises,” he added.

The festival runs daily from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. until March 31.


Saudi foreign minister and Palestinian prime minister discuss Gaza in Davos

Updated 21 January 2026
Follow

Saudi foreign minister and Palestinian prime minister discuss Gaza in Davos

  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Mohammed Mustafa hold talks while attending the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and the Palestinian prime minister, Mohammed Mustafa, on Tuesday discussed the latest developments in Gaza.

During their meeting, which took place at the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, they also reviewed bilateral relations and cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Other Saudi officials present at the meeting included the Kingdom’s ambassador to Switzerland, Abdulrahman Al-Dawood; the director general of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed Al-Ismail; and Mohammed Alyahya, an advisor to the foreign minister.