The Taif summer festival 2013 was inaugurated by Gov. Fahd bin Abdul Aziz, in the presence of more than 70,000 visitors. It is being held under the patronage of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.
The festival is organized by Taif governorate, Taif Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Taif Tourism Committee in coordination with the Arab Tourism Organization.
The opening included sound and effects presentation, laser show, aerobatics, sand painting and folk performances and Royal Guard show.
The event includes food festival, honey festival, folklore programs, entertainment, cultural, traditional and tourism activities in parks and malls in Taif.
The activities will extend to include Ramadan evenings and Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.
Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Mukhrij, mayor of Taif and deputy chief of the Taif Tourism Committee, welcomed the guests. He said that the festival will add a page in the history of tourism in Taif.
“Through this festival we are seeking to consolidate and strengthen the status of Taif on the tourism map locally and globally,” he said.
Chairman of the Arab Tourism Organization Bandar bin Fahd said they are expecting a huge turnout of visitors than last year and it will create lots of job in the tourism industry.
He said that security and stability is a fundamental pillar for the development of tourism, and the joint Arab cooperation is the basis for this success in terms of safety, security, stability and prosperity.
“We in the Arab Tourism Organization, including the Arab tourism strategy, help in achieving 60 percent more tourists,” he said.
Taif summer fest wows enthusiasts
Taif summer fest wows enthusiasts
Messi to unveil 21-meter statue of himself on India ‘GOAT’ tour
- Iron sculpture in Kolkata is part of a so-called GOAT Tour that will take in four Indian cities
- Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award this week
KOLKATA: Lionel Messi will unveil a 21-meter (70-foot) statue of himself in India on Saturday as he embarks on a three-day tour of the country that has sparked a fan frenzy.
The iron sculpture in Kolkata, which shows Messi holding aloft the World Cup, is part of a so-called GOAT Tour that will take in four Indian cities and a possible meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The 38-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami superstar will unveil the monument virtually rather than in person for security reasons.
A “Hola Messi” fan zone has also been set up in Kolkata where on display is a life-sized replica of Messi sat on a throne.
The hall also recreates his Miami home, complete with mannequins of his family members.
Football fan Samir Nandy said it would be “a dream come true” to catch a glimpse of his idol.
“Legends are not made by success alone. It is his resilience that made me believe in him,” Nandy, 64, said in Kolkata.
“The statue is a fitting tribute to him.”
Monti Paul, the statue’s main sculptor, said the structure was built inside 40 days.
“It’s a matter of pride to build the sculpture of Messi. It’s the tallest statue I have made,” he said.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will also meet Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly during his whirlwind trip to Kolkata.
Ahead of his arrival, Messi said it was an honor to visit India and interact with the fans.
“India is a very special country and I have good memories from my time there 14 years ago — the fans were fantastic,” Messi said in a statement.
“India is a passionate football nation and I look forward to meeting a new generation of fans while sharing the love I have for this beautiful game.”
After Kolkata, where Messi will play a short friendly match, he will head to Hyderabad, Mumbai and New Delhi.
In Hyderabad he will attend a concert in his honor and play another friendly.
He is reportedly scheduled to meet Modi in the capital.
Messi won his second consecutive Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player award this week after propelling Inter Miami to the MLS title and leading the league in goals.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain attacker will spearhead Argentina’s defense of the World Cup in June-July in North America.
