Top Left to Right: The largest-ever cake made on the Saudi National Day. An aerial view of the booths setup at the closing ceremony of the “Saudi Passport” contest at the Ana Ghair Mall in Jeddah. Bottom Left to Right: The winner, Yousef Yasser, ecstatic on bagging the first spot and a cash prize of SR1000. A girl from Safa Bint Al-Watan entertains the audience. — Courtesy photos Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette The grand finale of the “Saudi Passport” was held in Ana Ghair Mall on September 26 in the presence of Princess Adela Bint Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz and Princess Amal Bint Majid Bin Abdulaziz. The ceremony was held under the auspices of Princess Noura Bint Abdullah, CEO of Saufat-ul-Khair, and under the supervision of Thuraya Batterjee, Owner of Cady and Ramady, a printing firm dedicated to publishing children's book in Arabic. Batterjee warmly welcomed around 1500 children and their families at the entrance of the mall. Themed around the Saudi National Day, the mall was decorated in green and white balloons and streamers. The atmosphere was pleasant, with excited children gleefully participating in a number of activities. Young girls from Safa Bint Al-Watan went around distributing roses to everyone, spreading the message of love, peace and harmony. The ceremony began after the Maghrib prayers. The broadcaster of Channel AA, Nawaf, took over the stage and enthralled the audience with his witty remarks and on-the-spot competitions like a general knowledge competition about the history and culture of Saudi Arabia. More than 500 prizes were given away to children who answered correctly, among others. Young scouts then passionately and proudly sang the Saudi national anthem, making everyone swell in the essence of patriotism. Seven children were awarded top prizes with eight-year-old Yousef Yasser bagging the top spot and winning a cash prize of SR1000. A special child, Sara, came second and took home a cash prize of SR500. Subhi Zammo came in third and won SR300. In one of the corners of the mall, a booth titled “Fa Club for Visual Arts” drew attention from girls who were interested in arts. The girls were asked to draw, decorate and color pictures that depicted patriotism. The children also enthusiastically took part in decorating the largest Saudi National Day cake. Another unique booth at the ceremony was “ Salwa Photography” where they showed pictures of children costumed in regional dresses of the Kingdom like Fjrbua Sudairy, Hijazi, Aldraah Najdi, along with others from the eastern region. There was also a booth for budding young chefs called “Tabaq–as-Sageer,” meaning “Young Chefs” who artistically decorated biscuits and made delicious green pasta. Commenting on the ceremony, Batterjee said that the program was successful. She said the turnout was beyond her expectation, feeling proud that parents and teachers supported her in encouraging children learn more about their country. The children of Saudi Arabia have immense talent, Battergee said, they only need to be nurtured and polished for them to shine and make the world feel proud of them. Posters of Saudi Arabia's national carrier also adorned the malls, promoting tourism and encouraging the audience to explore and know more about their country. Saufat-ul-Khair and Cady and Ramady acknowledged all those who supported them. When asked Battergee what is next, she said, something new and better.
