RIYADH: Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) President Prince Sultan bin Salman is leading the Kingdom at the 2nd edition of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourism ministers meeting in Doha, Qatar, to discuss a common tourism strategy and tourism integration among the Gulf countries to collectively promote tourism in the region.
Notably, inspired from the success of the European Union, a common currency like the euro and common police like Europol are already under consideration for the GCC.
“The ongoing second session of the GCC tourism ministers will discuss a number of topics related to upgrading tourism in the region and enhance cooperation among member states in the tourism and heritage sector,” an SCTNH spokesman said on Wednesday.
“The important issues topping the agenda of the meeting include the development of a common tourism strategy for the GCC countries with the focus on tourism integration among themselves, promoting bilateral tourism, offering programs attractive to tourists in the GCC countries with natural and heritage diversity that will attract Gulf tourists,” the official added.
Moreover, the meeting will discuss the Kingdom’s proposal for the development of the conventions and exhibitions sector as a key driver for tourism to achieve integration among the Gulf countries for smooth arrangement of events and exhibitions to avoid duplication and conflict, and work in cohesion to establish a solidarity between them, and prepare GCC cadres to work in conventions and exhibitions for mutual benefit.
The meeting also assumes significance as it will discuss a draft policy for the future of the tourism industry in GCC countries as well as the formation of a team to promote work in urban heritage conservation across the region.
The idea is to develop quality standards in the provision of tourism services and programs in a prestigious way, benefiting GCC countries in terms of fiscal and cultural segments.
Moreover, this meeting will also discuss preparations for a joint meeting of ministers of culture and tourism from GCC countries, which was already proposed by the SCTNH president earlier in cooperation with his Qatari counterpart.
GCC tourism ministers will also review ways and means to encourage GCC and foreign capitals to engage in the investment in tourism industry and participate in the formulation of the relevant regulations.
Moreover, industry experts in a discussion here recently also pointed out that Saudi tourism has potential to create a concrete change in the national economy and emerge as the future alternative of the energy resources as mainstay of the economy.
In Doha, Prince Sultan visited Mushaireb Center for enriching society, where he was received by Issa Al-Mohannadi, president of the General Authority for Tourism in Qatar, and the historic Souq Waqif.
Doha meeting tackles GCC tourism strategy
Doha meeting tackles GCC tourism strategy
Sha’abanah festival brings Hijazi heritage to life ahead of Ramadan
Jeddah: The Sha’abanah festival celebrating Hijazi heritage drew more than 18,000 visitors to the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah as part of the city’s pre-Ramadan festivities.
Organized by Vertex 33, the three-day event from Jan. 22-24 offered an immersive celebration of local culture, crafts, and cuisine.
The festival featured local boutiques offering oud incense and perfumes, artisanal shoes and a variety of handcrafted products from local entrepreneurs.
Visitors also enjoyed a range of artistic workshops, such as pottery and mosaic, while children engaged in scented candle-making, art activities by Global Art, and thread kneading to create keychains and home wall hangings with Ramadan themes.
A dining area served traditional Saudi cuisine, coffee, and festive Ramadan treats.
Guests were entertained with live traditional Yanbu’awi performances, Al-Ajal dance displays, and a contemporary Saudi-style DJ, bringing together the energy of modern entertainment with the rich cultural heritage of Hijaz.
The project was led by four young cultural enthusiasts, Abdulaziz Al-Jehani, Abdulmajeed Abualkheer, Ghoroub Al-Barakati and Shahad Abualkheer.
Al-Jehani, CEO of Vertex 33, said Sha’abanah was inspired by a desire to revive the social traditions that once brought Hijazi communities together ahead of Ramadan.
“At Vertex 33, we believe events should feel meaningful, not just entertaining, and Sha’abanah was our way of creating a space where people could reconnect with heritage in a lively, modern setting,” he told Arab News.
“Bringing the festival together took just three months of planning, from concept development and cultural research to vendor selection, design, and on-ground coordination.
“The positive response from attendees has reinforced Vertex 33’s commitment to supporting local artists and making Hijazi heritage central to future events,” he added.
Entrepreneurs taking part in Sha’abanah praised the festival for providing exposure and opportunities to engage directly with customers.
Afraa Damanhouri, founder of RuaqAfraa, said: “We are participating to make scented cake candles for both adults and children. Workshops like these promote business and help people understand the process behind different types of candles.”
Reem Awad, founder and CEO of Black Mus, said: “Through Sha’abanah, we were able to meet our customers face to face, share the story behind our products, and help them understand the range of services and items we offer.”
Chef Fayzah Al-Sulami, who took part in the event preparing and selling her homemade spices and traditional white sweet Saudi coffee, said: “I started teaching cooking on YouTube, and when people asked about the ingredients I use, I began selling my products.
“It was amazing to see so many people take an interest, and sales were strong throughout all three days of the festival.”
With Ramadan approaching, many local entrepreneurs offered gift packages, prayer baskets, homemade traditional coffee, and spices.
Duaa Shukri, founder of Printful, said: “Ramadan is a time for giving. We created unique gift packages for children, teenagers and adults, with thoughtful items.”
