Hail desert festival to kick today

By Rashid Al-Thuwaini HAIL — The 10th International Desert Festival will start at Mikhwah Recreational Park on Thursday. Deputy Emir of Hail Abdulaziz Bin Saad said the festival has more than 16 events and activities reflecting the Bedouin life. “The entire festival is organized under the aegis of Emir Prince Saud Bin Abdulmohsen. The festival is organized by the Hail governorate, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, the Tourism Development Council, Hail Municipality, Hail University, Hail Culture and Information Directorate and Hail Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” said the deputy emir. He said the festival will be running until Saturday, Feb. 4. “The desert nature of Hail is turning it into a tourist attraction. The festival highlights the Bedouin lifestyle now and in the past. The festival aims to attract people from all over the Kingdom and neighboring Gulf countries so that tourism contributes to the economic development of the region,” said the deputy emir. He said the emir supports any activity that adds to the economic growth of the region and anything that creates employment opportunities for the youth of Hail.