JULY is here and it's officially that summer festivity season again. The hotels are ready, the chefs are waiting and the malls are already resonating with the sound of cash registers opening and closing as customers zip in and out. Saudis and expatriates are packing their bags to go to the usual destinations, London, California, Malaysia, Thailand. But some have opted to stay home in the Kingdom instead of braving the customs officials and passport controls of the world. The Kingdom's summer festivals are jointly sponsored and organized by the regional emirates, municipalities, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and tourism development authorities. The Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) is hoping for a reinvigorated season of festivals to push their idea of tourism within the Kingdom. Shouldering the responsibility of coordinating among different government and private agencies, the SCT has launched campaigns for summer entertainment and adventurous activities in various cities and regions. The following are some of the summer activities planned : IN RIYADH: From July 4 to Aug. 1, King Abdul Aziz Public Library will host a children's program. Other events scheduled at this venue are lectures on how to live a more ‘green' or environmentally-friendly lifestyle, a calligraphy exhibition, and a program about computers. A special summer program for families and children will be organized by Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Library, July 5-13, at the King Abdul Aziz Lectures Hall Riyadh. The shopping festival, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be from July 31 to Aug. 29. On July 6, a book show on the best book of the month, entitled “What You Feel Can Be Cured” by Dr. John Gray, will focus on how to think positively and avoid perpetual melancholy. Should your interests lie in photography the public library will hold a workshop on digital photography on June 30. For children aged between 4 and 15-years-old the Dipomatic Quarter will host the Manahil Summer Camp from June 21 to Aug. 6. Girls from ages 4 to 15 and boys from ages 4 to 9 can participate. For more information log on to www.kapl.org.sa. Gifted students will have an event organized for them by the Ministry of Education as part of the fourth consecutive year of programs for gifted students from July 5-30. A creative summer camp will be held for girls and women from July 2 to 10 at King Fahd cultural center, under the umbrella of the Ministry of Culture and Information. This camp is aimed at developing creative talent and enhance the capabilities of the new generation. IN TAIF: From Aug. 2-16, you can enjoy the Okaz shopping festival which is organized every year to introduce Saudi Arabian heritage and culture to visitors. Scholars, poets, lecturers and artists from around the Kingdom will participate in poetry readings, cultural and historical exhibitions, art and photography exhibitions as well as literary exhibitions. The venue for Taif's annual festival themed “Taif Is More Beautiful” or ‘Taif Ahla' is King Fahd Sports City in Hawiyah. IN ABHA: This beautiful mountain city will launch its 10th annual festival dubbed “Abha Tourism” under the patronage of Prince Faisal Bin Khaled, Emir of Asir. Tourists may expect some pleasant surprises. The Asir region will have exhibitions of Civil Defense, wildlife and special programs for women. IN AHSA: This Eastern Prov __
