Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette





THE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is home to traditional and customary festivals, which undoubtedly grabs huge interest from locals as well as foreigners living in the Kingdom. But in a country where 60 percent of the population is younger than 30 years of age and neighboring countries provide more entertainment opportunities, Saudi Arabia should capitalize on the stagnant entertainment market.

“Think employment. Think profits. Think billions. You know if we had more things to do in Saudi Arabia, we would have a more balanced economy. We would have more locals investing into businesses, PR, marketing, employing more Saudis — both men and women — to contribute to a profitable and favorable economy and tourism sector,” said Saad Amin, a 32-year-old Saudi businessman in Jeddah.

With the thriving art and fashion scene in the country, upcoming artists and designers host many exhibits at Athr gallery, Alaan Artspace, Masion Bo M, Hewar Art Gallery, Darat Safeya Binzagr Gallery, Artirama Art Gallery and Almultaka, among other events in the region. Wedding Arabia 2013 is Saudi Arabia’s 3rd international showcase for bridal wear, jewelry, furniture, furnishings and hospitality. Besat El-Reeh is Ramadan’s most celebrated and biggest charity bazaar catering to different segments, such as traditional thobes, abayas, home décor, fashion brands, accessories, food and more.

Reham Abbas, 23-year-old Saudi fashion student, said: “I love how we have more going in locally with the art scene. We have more artists, fashion designers and music makers in the Kingdom. I think we should have more events and public stations for such artists to display their work.”

In 1985, the first Saudi National Heritage and Culture Festival was held at Janadriyah near Riyadh for two weeks. Since that year, the festival provides over millions of Saudis with a rare glimpse into their past. Folklore troupes perform the Ardha and other national dances; literary figures participating in poetry competitions, contemporary poets reciting historic verses, camel races and singers performing traditional songs.

Muhammad Nasim, a 43-year-old Saudi accountant, told Saudi Gazette, “I do not think having more entertainment facilities is the issue. We do not want to westernize our country and have more cinemas. The youth should focus on work and social practices. I enjoyed Janadriyah this year and think it is great to see our culture alive and embedded deeply in our society.”

The Saudi National Day is celebrated on Sept. 23, every year. The National Day is the recognition and celebration of the foundation of the Saudi state by King Abdul Aziz Al-Saud in 1932. It is celebrated throughout the Kingdom with special programs.

Maha Nasser, a Saudi activist, said she wants to see more changes in the design of programs for entertainment in the Kingdom, especially for the upcoming generations. She said Saudi Arabia is deeply connected to its roots and she loves the fact everyone in the country is familiar with Saudi history and that everyone is actively involved.

“I love the fact we have this uniqueness to our culture. Be it Rose festival in Taif, Jeddah Ghair festival, kite festivals or Janadriyah, we have a lot going on culturally in our country. It would be great however to capitalize on what the upcoming generation likes. By this I do not mean commercially but even for children, I do not know where to take them. I am sick of the malls and amusement parks that look the same as they have been. We should have parks, more educational activities and opportunities for our children to get involved in society.”

For instance, 1 million Saudis were reported to have celebrated Eid in Dubai last year. This is just a small figure compared to the large number of Saudis have traveled to Dubai during the course of the year. Approximately 36,430 Saudi hotel guests stayed in Abu Dhabi’s hotels and hotel apartments during the first sixth months of 2012.

Launched in 1996, as per the directives of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Shopping Festival positions Dubai as the leading tourist destination. Not only does DSF boost economic and tourism sectors of the UAE, Saudis are contributors to the festival’s growth every year.

Dubai hosts the Gulf’s most important and illustrious events all year long. From DSF, World Cup Horse Race, Film Festivals, Rugby 7’s, Dubai International Jazz Festival, Desert Classic Golf, Tennis Championship, Gitex Shopper (one of the largest platforms for IT sector in the Middle East), Boat Show, Air Shows and Yas Marina F1 Abu Dhabi, the UAE is a world full of opportunities just next door. Bahrain hosted Grand Prix. It was first Formula One Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East, and was given the award for the “Best Organized Grand Prix” by the FIA. Qatar won the right to host FIFA World Cup in 2022 making history as the first Arab country to do so, encouraging youth confidence and opening doors to tourism.

Samar Fawad, a 35-year-old Saudi businesswoman, told Saudi Gazette she travels throughout the year and wishes Saudi Arabia had more for her to do.

“My whole family looks forward to going out and doing something. The sad thing is we are not equipped with entertainment and leisure facilities for all ages. My father likes going on walks, there is not a decent park or places like Marina in Dubai where you can just walk and enjoy the environment with your family, for instance. My kids like to visit Dubai mall and the numerous outlets they have for children. I mean, we are missing out on a lot and spending millions every year traveling abroad.”