The 17th annual Kleija Festival in Buraidah concluded its 15-day program

The 17th annual Kleija Festival in Buraidah concluded its 15-day program yesterday evening, running from January 8th to 22nd. The festival attracted over 500,000 visitors, who were served by more than 340 sales outlets and booths, and provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities.

Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce at the King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah, the festival demonstrated high performance indicators in terms of public attendance, economic activity, and investment and tourism opportunities.

The Secretary-General of the Qassim Chamber of Commerce and Industry and General Supervisor of the Festival, Mr. Mohammed Al-Hanaya, stated that the number of visitors to the festival during its 15-day run exceeded 500,000, marking one of the highest attendance figures since the festival's inception. He added that the festival served as a dynamic economic and marketing platform, featuring 340 outlets and points of sale and marketing, including productive families, artisans, and entrepreneurs from small and medium-sized enterprises, in addition to companies and institutions.

Mr. Al-Hanaya further explained that this integrated system contributed to stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels, and enhancing the economic returns for participants. It also created seasonal job opportunities that benefited more than 1,500 young men and women in the fields of organization, operations, marketing, and services. This reflects the festival's role in supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth with the events industry and the creative economy.

Mr. Al-Hanaya clarified that the results achieved by the 17th edition confirm the festival's success as a significant economic and tourism driver for the Qassim region. He noted that the recorded figures reflect the confidence of investors, participants, and visitors in the organizational and commercial environment provided by the Chamber.

Al-Hanaya said, "We are proud of the positive economic and marketing indicators achieved by the Kleija Festival, whether in terms of visitor numbers, participation, or the job opportunities it created. This reflects the role of the Qassim Chamber of Commerce as a business incubator and a center of expertise in organizing economic events, empowering entrepreneurs, and transforming heritage products into sustainable investment opportunities that contribute to boosting tourism and supporting the region's economy."

He pointed out that the approval by His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Qassim Region, to name the festival "The International Kleija Festival in Buraidah" ​​is an extension of the support and follow-up the festival receives from His Highness, who is the founder, originator, and initiator of the festival.

Al-Hanaya emphasized that the festival's successes demonstrate the organizational and operational maturity of young national talents, which makes the focus in the next phase on maximizing the economic impact, attracting investments, expanding partnerships, and increasing the festival's contribution to the region's GDP.

Al-Hanaya added that organizing the Kleija Festival comes within the framework of the Qassim Chamber’s efforts to enhance the business environment, support small and medium enterprises, empower productive families, and transform heritage events into developmental and economic tools that contribute to achieving the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision.