Saudi Gazette Experience the Kingdom of the early twentieth century by visiting the Spring Festival at King Abdul Aziz University. It is open to visitors for a month, and it offers educational, sports, and artistic activities, apart from a a cultural exhibition which gives an insight into the traditional Arab world and exhibits a wide collection of artifacts. Over 500 students participated in the opening ceremony of the cultural exhibition. It was attended by the rector of the university, Prof. Osama Bin Sadek Taieb. He was accompanied by Dr. Abdul Rahman Bin Obaid Al-Yubi, vice president of educational affairs; and Dr. Abdullah Mahraji, dean of student affairs. “What is important about this festival is tying the Saudi students to their heritage and culture. The exhibition is a wonderful idea, the activities are educational and entertaining, and I hope that the students and faculty will make it a regular annual event,” said Taieb. Among the activities that delighted visitors was the show of folklore singing and students dancing on stage dressed in old embroidered thobes and bright yellow turbans wrapped around their heads; short, humorous skits also entertain visitors. A man with the traditional gold coffee pot in one hand and small cups in the other happily serves visitors. A corner which displayed traditional breakfast in old clay utensils and baskets attracted a large number of people. A short documentary portrayed the lives of the early Arabs living in the Hijaz region. Mahraji elated with the initial success of the festival, said, “The cultural exhibition seemed like the perfect way to add some variety and liveliness to the university's yearly Spring Festival. Rather than setting up the exhibition in closed and concealed lecture halls, we set it up in the open area in the middle of the university so a greater number of students can enjoy it and also because of the beautiful Jeddah weather this spring. “Organizing such activities and events is an important part of the university's strategy to help build the student's social and physical skills and to encourage the spirit of volunteering to serve the community.” __
