14 May 2014
Minister of Culture at Al-Taif Arab Summer Capital Ceremony
The Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) announced that the Arab Summer Capital 2014 is the city of Taif. According to ATO president, Bandar Al-Faheed, this year’s program will have over 60 events. H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, Minister of Culture, attended the opening of Taif Arab Summer Capital (2014) forum under the patronage of Mecca Governor His Royal Highness Prince Misha'al bin Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
Al-Taif, the Saudi Arabian city of more than 500,000 people, was named the Arab Summer Capital after the meeting of all the parties involved, including Al-Faheed, Fahad bin Muammar (Taif Governor and Local Tourism Development Council President), Mohammed Ahmed Tyab (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General), Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Makhraj (Taif mayor) and diplomats from different Arab countries. The meeting took place at the ATO office in Jeddah. The events which already kicked off in December will continue throughout the whole year. Recently named as the Asian and Arab tourism capital, Manama (the capital city of Bahrain) will twin with Taif to host the planned cultural week.
Bahrain’s minister of culture, also incumbent president of the Arab Tourism Ministerial Council, addressed the event, thanking Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) Chairman His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz for his support. H.E commended the partnership bonding Taif Arab Summer Capital and Manama Capital of Asian Tourism 2014.
H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa, praised the friendly and long- standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, stressing the need to create more tourism partnership adventures with regard to Al-Taif Arab Summer Capital (2014) and Manama Capital of Asian Tourism (2014). "The Arab Tourism Ministerial Council announced Taif as the Arab Summer Capital 2014 in its meeting in Bahrain following an Arab Tourism Organization (ATO) proposal", she said, hailing the pioneering role of Saudi Arabia led by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Defence Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud in supporting Arab countries.
Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) Chairman His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz highlighted Taif tourism riches, stressing projects to revitalize the economy and tourism industry in the city. He paid tribute to Mecca Governor His Royal Highness Prince Misha'al bin Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud for patronising Taif Arab Summer Capital (2014). Arab Tourism Organisation (ATO) President Dr. Bandar Al-Faheed and Mecca Governor His Royal Highness Prince Misha'al bin Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud also addressed the opening ceremony.
Al- Taif Governor also highlighted several ambitious projects that will help the city attract more tourists, such as a 13 square kilometers science and technology city, and a 150,000 square meters King Abdullah Park Project with various entertainment and service facilities.
Al-Makhraj, Al- Taif mayor, said such decisions will always enhance the cooperation between various Arab counties. He added that Souk Okaz was a very important event in the Kingdom as it represents its heritage, culture and tradition.
Currently, A-Taif development agencies have completed 159 out of the planned 513 service and infrastructure projects while 288 are under construction. The remaining 66 have already been approved.
