Okaz/Saudi Gazette TAIF — The Taif Season will open on Aug. 1 within the Saudi Seasons tourism initiative with at least seven other countries participating. The event will consist of three major sections, which are the annual Souq Okaz festival, a camel race and various tourist activities. Taif Governor Mohammed Bin Himayel asked all participating government and private departments to complete their preparations well in time for the annual occasion. Seven famous Arab singers will perform at Souq Okaz, which will also see cultural and poetic nights, historic markets, caravans and special pavilions for Egypt, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon and Jordan displaying exhibits. The seven Arab countries will also exhibit their handicrafts, culinary skills, music, arts and others. There will be tourist activities in Al-Hada and Al-Shafa areas including Teleferik rides for the visitors, who will also be taken to the museums and historic mosques in the summer resort city. The season will include fireworks and a circus in addition to theatrical shows, poetry competitions, paintings and special programs for children. There will also be a rose festival during the season, which will create jobs for a number of Saudi men and women.
