Hail Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdul Mohsin

Hail launched its nine-day International Desert Festival on Thursday, which focuses on the daily lives of Arabs, including food, traditional crafts, poetry, storytelling and dances.

The event is being held under the aegis of Hail Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdul Mohsin, who is also chairman of the Tourism Promotion Council, at the Al-Meghwat picnic center. Morocco is the guest of honor at the festival, now in its eighth year.

The festival has become a popular event in the Kingdom. Artisans of handicrafts from inside and outside the Kingdom will display their wares. Various dishes popular among desert dwellers will also be available.

Various local and foreign dance troupes and poets will perform their work at the event. The Saudi Geographical Survey will have a geological exhibition, while the Saudi Wildlife Authority will feature desert flora and fauna.

The organizers have also set up an exhibition of old photographs of Hail to be displayed by the King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives. The other exhibitions include crafts by local community development societies, one by the medical club of Hail University, and another on books organized jointly by the Hail Public Library and the literary club. Hail Museum is also showcasing its antique collections at the festival.

The festival organizers also plan to organize tourist trips deep into the desert to dormant volcanoes and ancient caves in the region. Desert camps are organized for those who want to spend the night. There will also be various desert games such as horseracing, camel racing, sand skating and mountaineering.

Several scientists and researchers will participate in the forums and lectures on various topics related to desert life on the sidelines of the festival. Mayor of Hail Ibrahim Abu Ras said the municipality organized the annual event with government departments and private organizations. He said the event would also be beneficial for vocal people because they can display their products for sale to thousands of visitors expected to attend.

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