This year's Jeddah Summer Festival got off to a spectacular start here on Thursday night with a dazzling display of fireworks and breathtaking folklore performances in Obhur. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah Region, inaugurated the 37-day extravaganza dubbed Jeddah Ghair (Jeddah is Different) which will have over 250 activities such as folk and heritage markets, gatherings with local figures, theater, folk group performances, and photography and art exhibitions, hopes to stimulate domestic tourism and provide visitors with a family atmosphere. Prince Misha'l Bin Majed, Governor of Jeddah, and other senior officials attended the inaugural ceremony. The Jeddah Governor attributed the continuous success of the summer festivals in the Bride of the Red Sea to scientific and meticulous planning to attract visitors. The city, he said, has many things – its heritage, its culture and its economy – that lure the tourists. The inauguration ceremony began with three different Saudi folklores namely Mezmar, Bahri and Khobaiti. After the performances on the stage, the main huge screen split into two revealing a view of the sea with three ships from where the fireworks started. The rhythmic riot of colors on the blue skies of Jeddah was accompanied by sweet music. The festival is expected to attract 3.4 million visitors this year, a remarkable increase from the previous occasions following efforts to boost tourism by several bodies such as the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, Jeddah Mayoralty and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. There are events for children, youth and families in addition to sports, entertainment and cultural programs and contests. In collaboration with the General Presidency for Youth Welfare, the municipality will prepare 50 playgrounds around the city for various sporting events. A number of local and international movies will be screened between July 18 and 22 as part of the film festival slated at King Abdulaziz Cultural Center at Abrug Al-Raghamah east of the Haramain Expressway. Obhur is set to host various shows and contests for motorcycles, 4x4 vehicles, remote-control cars, mountain bikes, modified cars and roller skates. Family events will include plays and vintage car shows, handicraft and traditional markets, an Indian circus, traditional food and a photography exhibition about Saudi Arabia. King Abdulaziz Cultural Center will hold photography and painting contests, art exhibitions and charity bazaars. The downtown Balad will host various activities, especially at Al-Baiah Square near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office.
