Tourism & Hospitality | Tuesday 5 January, 2016 4:48 am |

Gov. Prince Mishal Bin Majed announced that this year’s Kunna Kida (We were like this) heritage festival will be launched in Old Jeddah on Wednesday.

The governorate’s Public Relations Director Yasser Al-Maddah said the theme of the festival is “A New Dawn” and it will run for 10 days.

“The prince took a tour around the area on Saturday to ensure that everything is ready for the start of the festival. There will be over 100 shows on the opening day. There will also be an art exhibition, historical corners, fashion shows and various activities,” said Al-Maddah.

He said there will also be several kiosks where people can sell merchandise.

“There will also be theater showing plays that reflect the traditions of Old Jeddah. We have turned Al-Juffaly Park into a recreational space for visitors and tourists,” said Al-Maddah.

He said Jeddah is growing to be an international attraction from a national attraction.

“In June 2014, Historical Jeddah was included in UNISECO’s World Heritage List. After great efforts exerted by Jeddah Municipality and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, Kunna Kida Festivals have become a way to revivify the city and to celebrate the heritage of the people of Makkah province,” said Al-Maddah.

He added the previous festivals were attended by millions of visitors.

“We expect a great turnout in this year as the festival coincides with the mid-year school break. The shows offer authentic re-enactments of the lives of the people in Jeddah half a century ago. Visitors can eat the food, smell the aromas and listen to the music of historical Jeddah,” said Al-Maddah.

He added the organizers of this year’s festival aimed to convey a new start by the theme “A New Dawn”.

“The theme is a celebration of the honor Historical Jeddah had earned by UNESCO. It is also a celebration of a new generation of Jeddah Youth and what they can bring to the table when it comes to developing their city,” said Al-Maddah