The 12th edition of Souk Okaz festival kicked off today in the city of Taif in Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

The governor of Makkah province, Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, officially opened the iconic festival, organised by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH).

The opening ceremony featured numerous theatrical and cultural performances including plays, poetry readings and songs prepared by Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen, with the participation of an elite group of Saudi actors and singers.

During the ceremony, winner of the Souk Okaz competitions were also honoured.

Running till July 13, the event will host a number of events and activities that introduce the history and culture of the Arabian Peninsula and the historical heritage of Souk Okaz and Taif Governorate through the work of 17 Saudi organizers from all over the kingdom.

The cultural program is full of many activities, with the participation of a number of Arab intellectuals, writers and poets. It includes cultural seminars, workshops, poetry evenings, and a competition for theatrical performance.

Meanwhile, Okaz Cultural Boulevard, supervised by the General Cultural Authority includes The cultural tent, Exhibition of pieces winning of Souk Okaz Awards and Competitions, Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition, Plastic Arts Exhibition, Souk Okaz Theatrical Performance Competition, and Okaz Colors and Photography show.

Okaz Heritage Boulevard will feature more than 150 different activities that include a number of cultural and heritage events, theatre performances, in addition to crafts and handicrafts events.

The event is expected to draw in more than two million touritsts. - TradeArabia News Service