The UAE is participating in the 13^th edition of Souq Okaz Festival, which is currently taking place in Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from August 1st to 31^st, 2019.  The UAE pavilion is organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development in partnership with the UAE Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

Evolving from a cultural platform for sheikhs to meet their tribes hundreds of years ago, the Souk Okaz Festival attracts today over 800,000 visitors to celebrate the local and regional cultural heritage. The festival is comprised of live shows, museums, an exhibition of fine arts and photography, a library, an open cultural square, workshop halls and a wide range of shops, restaurants and cafes.

The UAE’s participation at the Souq Okaz Festival reflects our shared historical and cultural heritage with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This souq has a great historical significance as it served as a cultural, social, economic and political hub for the local communities; today, it stands as a reminder that culture has an intrinsic power to connect civilisations and bring them even closer. The UAE’s participation in heritage and cultural events regionally and internationally underscores our commitment to cementing the country’s position on the global cultural map as well as celebrating and sharing our unique heritage and traditions with the rest of the world.

The UAE pavilion presents the country’s history by detailing various aspects of Emirati life through traditional performances. Featured performances include displays of traditional handicrafts, Al Razfa and Al Yola dance performances, and Emirati folk songs. To showcase the values of Arabian hospitality, a selection of traditional Emirati cuisine and live demonstrations of Emirati coffee is available at the pavilion.

The 13th edition of Okaz Souk Festival hosts 11 Arab countries that take part in sharing their cultural and social heritage as part of the “Arab Neighbourhood” section.  In addition to the UAE, the event is also hosting pavilions for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia and Morocco.