TAIF – On behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Emir of Makkah region Prince Khaled Al-Faisal opened the 7th Souk Okaz Cultural Festival here on Tuesday evening. Several prominent figures, including senior Saudi officials, as well as writers, cultural figures, and artists from the Kingdom and abroad attended the opening session. Souk Okaz, which represents a unique and important tourism landmark in the Kingdom, was re-created on the same location where it used to be held in ancient times. Prince Khaled, who is also chairman of the festival's supervisory committee, announced that the period of the festival will be extended in future in line with the recommendations of an ongoing study. “We have also plans to transform the Souk into a full-fledged tourist city,” he said while addressing a press conference at the headquarters of Taif University prior to the opening of the festival. Prince Khaled said the festival is a window on culture. “The Souk presents a suitable venue for displaying creativity, demonstration of ideas, culture, literature, and tourism. It also reflects the true picture of development achieved by Saudis in various fields,” he said. Prince Khaled said that Souk Okaz is an opportunity to take advantage of the achievements of others in the fields of culture and thoughts. “The term souk is not restricted only to trade or purchase or sale but covers an occasion to exchange ideas, cultures and dialogue as well. We can feel proud that King Abdullah is the first international figure who initiated the culture of dialogue locally, regionally and globally,” he said. – SG
