Saudi Arabia concludes participation in 2023 Jerash festival in Jordan

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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has concluded its participation in the 37th Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts in Jordan, which was held from July 26 to Aug. 5, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Represented by three cultural commissions, the Kingdom actively participated in the festival, which has been held annually in the ancient city of Jerash in northern Jordan since 1981.

The CEO of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, Sultan Al-Bazie, expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the Saudi participation in the event.

For 11 days, the festival showcased the rich Saudi cultural heritage and folklore, and the three cultural bodies also organized musical and performance events.

Al-Bazie, who was also the head of the Saudi delegation to the Jerash festival, said that the Kingdom’s presence at the event was a testament to the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to enhancing cultural relations and fostering exchanges with countries, aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The Saudi cultural events attracted a large turnout from the Jordanian public, including ministers, officials and diplomats, headed by the Jordanian Minister of Culture Haifa Al-Najjar, and with the presence and support of the Kingdom’s Ambassador to Jordan Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi.

Saudi artists and performing groups were present in the main square of the ancient city as part of the festival’s activities, alongside performers from all over the Arab world.

Two narrators told popular stories that connect Saudi and Jordanian society, Arab proverbs and wisdom, and also recited the most prominent poems.

The Music Commission organized a concert during the festival with the attendance of more than 5,000 visitors.

The Heritage Commission focused on celebrating the Year of Arabic Poetry, and showcased a photo exhibition of the world heritage sites registered with UNESCO. Eight craftsmen also presented traditional handicrafts, including sadu and weaving, wooden artifacts, pottery and ceramics.

This is the second consecutive year that the Kingdom has taken part in the annual festival.