Saudi Gazette ABHA — It seems that the habit of visiting Asir, the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, would have an indelible difference between the summer season of this year with that of the previous years. The movement in the rugged mountainous regions, situated at an high altitude of 3,000 meters above the sea level, has not subsided since the beginning of the Al Soudah Season 2019 festival, with a plethora of events that highlight the salient features of the picturesque region and its rich heritage. It also reflects the generosity of the people of Asir and their virtues that are often hailed as exemplary models throughout the Arabian Peninsula. No doubt, Al-Soudah Season visitors are experiencing amazement due to its divergent activities, held for the first time, ranging from the mountain adventures, concerts, to opening of international restaurants. However the most exciting element for them is witnessing the huge presence of hundreds of young men and women from the region as organizers of the tourism event. With a wide smile and the traditional heartening typical mode of welcome of the south, the young organizers accord a warm reception to the guests, with the words "Marhaban Alouf", in temperatures ranging from 22 degree Celsius to 13 degree Celsius. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, well-informed sources at the festival said that the working team of the festival consists of 235 young men and women. Hossam Al-Madani, executive director of the festival, confirmed that majority of them are the sons and daughters of the region. While pointing to a group of young people, Al-Madani noted that they organized the Rijal Al-Tayyib Festival in Rijal Almaa, which was launched under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. He said that the official records of the festival indicate that the festival provides paid job opportunities to about 280 young men and women from the regions of Mahayil, Al-Jurf, Al-Botaylah, Al-Shaabeen, Al-Aws and Al-Darb as well as from Abha and Khamees Mushayt. "Most of them are university students," Madani said, while pointing out that the tasks of the youth teams have varied from organizing the event to crowd management. Al-Madani attributed handing over the smooth conduct of Al-Soudah and Rijal Al-Tayyib festivals by the sons and daughters of the region to the directives of the higher authorities to ensure the greatest possible economic benefits for the people in the hosting regions. "The youth of the country are able to give, learn, contribute and take responsibility," Madani said. With a calm demeanor and the accent of mountainous people, Mohammed, a student of King Khalid University in Abha who is among the organizers of Rijal Al-Tayyib festival, said that their seasonal job enriches their work experience during the summer vacation. While putting a floral crown over his head, he said: "We are working here to reflect our local culture, which is rich in kindness and generosity. Our responsibility is doubled here," he said. At the venue of Al-Soudah Season, Fatima, one of the members of the working team, does not hide her pride in what she has to offer along with her colleagues in the season that bore the slogan "Here above". "I am proud to be involved in organizing this festival for the first time, with daughters and sons of the region, considering that the festival as well as the daughters and sons of the region will write a new chapter in the tourism history of Asir," she remarked. The dedication of young Saudi men and women in making the festival a resounding success is amazing as reflected in the words of Abdullah Maadi, who used to visit Al-Soudah with his family every year. He directly linked the great development being witnessed in Al-Soudah and Rijal Almaa to the Kingdom's journey toward a bright future along the Vision 2030 roadmap. The festivities came to a close on Saturday, the last day of August, at 15 event sites in the mountainous region of Al-Soudah, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of the visitors.
