Samar Yahya
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, inaugurated the 34th Jeddah Ghair (Jeddah is Different) Festival on Wednesday evening at Jeddah Corniche, Park Hyatt Hotel and Equestrian Club.
The inauguration was graced by Prince Mishaal Bin Majed, Governor of Jeddah, chairman of the Tourist Development Council and chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the festival.
The ceremony began with recitation of verses from the Holy Qur'an followed by Prince Mishaal's speech in which he expressed his thanks and gratitude to the emir. He said the festival confirms the pioneering and unique position of Jeddah in terms of domestic and regional tourism.
Prince Mishaal said that Jeddah hosts diverse and innovative events and activities to cope with various expectations and aspirations of visitors as an added value to the festival, with the outstanding tally of efficient and qulaified national cadres in the tourism industry to serve the requirements of the booming tourism in the Kingdom.
Sheikh Saleh Kamel, President of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), said during his speech that the festival seeks to stimulate tourism in Jeddah and that it is one of the largest local festivals as well as in the Gulf region.
He also noted the high and distinguished level of coordination and cooperation among the various concerned departments to come out with the best tourist activities.
Adnan Mandura, JCCI Secretary General, praised the competition between the various private sector companies and establishments in this festival. More than 50 governmental and private departments contributed effectively to the festival's success, he said, adding that 70 fun parks and tourism resorts, 360 shopping centers and malls were also part of the festival.
The speeches were followed by a range of shows and fireworks that lit up Jeddah's night sky.
At the ceremony's conclusion, Prince Khaled honored festival sponsors and supporters. He himself received a commemorative souvenir from Prince Mishaal.
