Jeddah, Sep 11: Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal announced plans to develop Souk Okaz, located in the summer resort of Taif, into a full-fledged tourist center on Tuesday, opening its doors throughout the year and not only during the holiday seasons.
He emphasized the role of Souk Okaz in promoting creativity among Saudis.
“It’s a venue for people to present their creativity and exchange their thoughts. It’s also a venue for promoting culture, literature and tourism,” he said.
Addressing a press conference at Taif University on the occasion of the launch of Souk Okaz’s activities for this year, Prince Khaled said: “It’s an opportunity to learn from others’ thoughts, knowledge and experience and a window for Saudis to showcase their culture and achievements in various fields to the world.”
Prince Khaled, himself a poet, said the word “souk” should not be misconstrued as only a venue for trade. “It’s an occasion for the exchange of thoughts and cultural dialogue.”
The governor added: “We are proud that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah was the first world leader to promote a culture of dialogue at regional and international levels.”
He said the organizers do not want Souk Okaz to remain just a heritage show, but rather, seek to showcase the Kingdom’s present and future with the participation of public and private agencies.
He disclosed plans to set up incubators for making innovative thoughts and ideas of youth into reality.
Deputy Gov. Abdul Aziz Al-Khodairy highlighted the initiatives taken by Prince Khaled for the development of the region, including his efforts to carry out stalled development projects in various sectors and strengthen the Haj and Umrah sector by launching a campaign entitled “Haj instils worship and civilized behavior.”
Saleh Al-Nassar, supervisor of the National Strategy for Youth, said the plan was drafted after studying about 80 similar plans in other countries. It aims to protect the health of youth, fight unemployment, develop their skills and build youth welfare facilities.
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