Visitors to Jeddah next month can enjoy the 45-day long summer festival which will be launched by Prince Kahled Al-Faisal, Emir of Makkah region, July 1st in Abhor. The City has been holding the festival for ten consecutive years. The participating sectors are ready to embrace the summer festival with close supervision of Prince Mash'al Bin Majed, Governor of Jeddah and Chairman of the Board of Tourism Development. The six-week festival comes empowered by cultural and recreational and entertainment programs designed to ensure a good memorable summer under sizzling sun in Jeddah this year. “The festival, which lasts for 45 days, targets both tourists and residents, with hope to encourage more domestic tourism and employment in line with the customs and traditions of Saudi society,” said Saleh Al-Turki, Director of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI). The JCCI, among other organization tasks of the festival, has approved a variety of events along with ongoing support for the private sector. The JCCI is currently reviewing 250 recreational events as for its themes, and cultural adherence to Saudi traditions, he said. “There is still time to receive requests for entertainment events,” he added. More than SR12b has been spent over the last decade to boost tourism in the Kingdom, directed to new tourism projects to help the Kingdom compete on a tourist front for its unique place in the world. “Around 3 million tourists are expected to spend part of their summer break in Jeddah,” he said. Most of the tourists are expected to come from the Kingdom, the Gulf states, and Arab neighboring countries to both perform Umrah and enjoy a different summer experience in Jeddah, he said. For ten years under the banner “Jeddah is Different,” the city has started a new festival to attract local tourists from different parts of the Kingdom and the Gullf. The festival includes many attractions starting with fireworks on the Corniche front, circus, concerts, theater, and much more. During the summer festival, hotels and furnished apartaments usually take as much as 50 percent off their rates, as well as discounts on flights and tour packages to historic and religious sites in and around the city. Shoppers, meanwhile, can take their pick from the ever-expanding chain of magnificent shopping malls and numerous fascinating bazaars with unheard-of bargains, not to mention raffle draws to win luxury cars and massive cash prizes. There's something for everyone, young and old, including arts, culture, and water sports. But a cruise trip on the Red Sea early evening is definitely a breath-taking experience. Dating back 1,400 years, Jeddah still retains much of its ancient character with many buildings constructed in the traditional Hijazi way making up the old city. Located on the pristine Red Sea Jeddah boasts more than 14 museums, each packed with rare historical artefacts and archeological treasures. A striking fountain, which can be seen from all over the city, is the dominant feature of modern Jeddah. The city is rich in heritage but it also has plenty to offer the more active visitor. __
