RIYADH: The Tourism Committee of Riyadh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has released the new emblem for the forthcoming Riyadh Summer Festival that runs from May 28 to June 29. Mohammed Al-Moajal, Tourism Committee Deputy Chairman, said the bright colors in the emblem reflect the vibrant nature of the Saudi capital and represent joy and optimism. “Moreover, the colors represent the desert nature of Riyadh, which is one of its main characteristics along with a combination of modernity and tradition in the city's economic progress. Like other Saudi cities Riyadh hopes to attract tourists and visitors during and after the festival period, he said. Al-Moajal assured visitors that this year's Riyadh Summer Festival for Shopping and Leisure will offer an unprecedented list of activities designed for all segments of Saudi society and other GCC citizens. The festivities will create a lively environment for every member of the family – men, women and children, he said. He said the Tourism Committee has been engaged in negotiations with its partners which include recreational companies, commercial shopping centers and hotels in order to introduce innovative activities for the entertainment of visitors during the month-long festival. Al-Moajal said that since its launch two years ago the Riyadh Summer Festival has played an important role in the promotion of national tourism by highlighting the Saudi capital as one of the most attractive destinations for tourists. Majid Al-Hokair, RCCI Chief of the Tourism and Festivals Committee, earlier said about four million visitors from the Kingdom and other GCC states are expected to visit the festival. He dubbed Riyadh the “Capital of Festivals,” because of a series of cultural events taking place in the Saudi capital such as the Janadriya National Festival for Heritage and Culture, and other activities organized by the Riyadh Municipality throughout the year. “Riyadh, because of its cultural and economic activities is a unique city, which cannot be compared with other Saudi cities,” said Al-Hokair. In 2000 UNESCO named Riyadh the “Cultural Capital of the Arab World.” Al-Hokair said about 1,000 companies dealing in various tourism-related activities will participate, making this year's festival a livelier event offering not only fun for children but also cultural events and huge discounts for shoppers. The Riyadh Summer Festival for Shopping and Leisure is supported by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
