Souq Okaz to introduce ‘Narrator’s Tent’

RIYADH: The Souq Okaz festival will this year introduce a new event, the “Narrator’s Tent,” under the supervision of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah).

The 11th edition of the weeklong cultural and heritage festival will open July 12 under the patronage of King Salman. Located on the outskirts of the resort city of Taif, the Souq is held every year during the summer break.

“The upcoming session of the Souq will launch a new event, the Narrator’s Tent,” said the media department at the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), the organizer of the event. It further said that the event will take place on a daily basis in a dedicated tent.

The Narrator’s Tent will include Mohammed bin Rabih Al-Ghamdi and Fayez bin Musa Al-Harbi from the Kingdom; Saeed bin Mohammed Al-Gilani from the Sultanate of Oman; Nawaf Abdul Aziz Al-Jahma from Kuwait; Joma Mohammed Al-Kabi from Bahrain; and Hamad Mohammed bin Sari from the UAE. They will recount historical stories on the most important historical events that have taken place on the Arabian Peninsula.

Besides the Narrator’s Tent, a Souq cultural library, which will include books on the Arabian Peninsula, in addition to an audiovisual library on the Souq, and an Okaz exhibition of ancient Islamic writings and inscriptions will be organized under the supervision of Darah.

This year, the Souq will include Arabic and early Islamic poetry recitations, theater performances, market presentations, language challenges, sports shows, horse and camel convoys, handicraft, and light and sound presentations.

The SCTH will also organize 50 journeys under the “Live Saudi Arabia” program where 2,500 students from all regions will benefit with the participation of 65 tourist guides and 10 journey organizers.