SAUDI GAZETTE JEDDAH — ‘It's more than food,' according to Jeddah Food Festival's attendees. The festival that kicked of on Thursday helps in flourishing local food businesses, tempts food lovers for a distinctive tasting experience, and provides families with galore activities. The festival, held under the patronage of Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal Bin Majed and the hospitality committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is located on one of the lands in King Road, and will end on April 8. New and small businesses of local food, international restaurants, as well as food trucks are part of the festival. People who like to be fit and eat nourishing food can buy healthy food from some of the booths. Entertaining activities and shows are held during the festival, including standup comedy shows. There are around 35 entertaining activities such as teaching cooking for children and live cooking shows. For children, there is a games corner as well as a place for art. Lujain Al-Harthy, a Saudi female teenager, said "I liked the place, it is well organized and clean. In each booth, there are chairs and tables for people to sit and eat which is a rare thing to see in other events." She mentioned that the tickets' prices are suitable for all the society categories, adding that the place is not that crowded and it gives the chance for visitors to move around comfortably. "There are variety of food choices and new types of food and food shops. It is not only about food, but shows and activities that fit children and adults. I loved that as a family, we assemble in a new place other than restaurants and malls," Al-Harthy said. Sara Khalel, a Saudi mother in her 30s, said "when they told me about the food festival, I imagined that it is all about food and cooking smells. Yet, when I attended the festival, I found out that it is totally different. It is similar to parks outside Saudi Arabia. It is a park surrounded with food trucks and there are varieties of food choices. You can find home-made food or international food." Khalel explained that there are some restaurants that she did not know exist in the Kingdom and she and her family realized that they have branches in the town during the festival. She added that whole atmosphere was very clean and she liked the organizers' focused on trash recycling and implementing recycling ideas. "What was also special is the activities for children. I wish there are similar weekly events and festival where families can spend the weekends," Khalel said. Noura Ahmed, a Saudi female in her 20s, said "it is a new experience that is helping new local businesses to market themselves and it is a special hub for family gathering and food lovers. A place where you can have a mix experience between enjoying entertaining activities and tasting food."
