Souk Okaz Festival 2022: Come and Explore the Cultural Bliss of Saudi Arabia

The majestic country of Saudi Arabia is blessed with pristine beaches, stunning mountains, shimmering deserts, and marvelous architectural wonders attracting tourists worldwide. Apart from this, it’s the rich culture and heritage of this charming country that makes it different from the world. The Souk Okaz Festival 2022 is an amazing event that is all set to occur in August in Saudi Arabia. Offering a plethora of live performances including poetry, horse and camel events, marketplaces, art, and a music plaza, the festival is a perfect blend of Arab heritage and modern culture. Scroll down and get a glimpse of all the fun and entertainment one can relish in this enthusiastic middle-eastern jamboree.

All About Souk Okaz Festival: Relish an Enthusiastic Time in the Arab Jamboree

The lavish festival has its roots deep in classical times about 501 AD. In pre-Islamic times, the Arabs celebrated this festival that continues till today with a unique amalgamate of antiquity and contemporary. It includes various events like arts, literature of various kinds, poetry, music, and more. Numerous artists, actors, writers, poets, scholars, and thinkers of Islam participate in the festivity from Saudi and all over the world to celebrate social richness.

Organized by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) in partnership with numerous government bodies, the Souk Okaz Festival attracts more than two million tourists annually. The event takes place under King Salman bin Abdulaziz and gives a platform to cultural artists and performers from all over the world to exhibit their true talents. The function helps to propagate the Islamic culture and bring glory to the nation.

Location of the Grand Festival of Saudi Arabia

The event will take place in Taif, Makkah Province. One can reach the exact location by hiring a local taxi from Jeddah and reach the destination in about two hours via route 80.

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The Main Attractions of the Events

There are many performances and attractions that take place at the Souk Okaz Festival, Saudi Arabia. Here is a list of the main highlights of the show for a glimpse of all the fun and thrill one can enjoy at the fascinating festival.

1. Art and Music Plaza

The event offers a unique and enthusiastic blend of art and music shows depicting the culture and traditions of the majestic country. The artifacts and displays provide a fascinating audio-visual experience for the guests. The international artists get registered and perform their amazing work via this platform. It includes writing, poetry, pottery, calligraphy, and more, for a thrilling experience. The vibrant performances make this one of the finest festivals in Saudi Arabia.

2. Camel Events

Camel racing is one of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia. Souk Okaz festival also promotes this activity to make it a worldwide attraction. Numerous camels are considered for the event and the ones with the best abilities are chosen. The camel races and other events feature thousands of camels that fetch prizes up to millions of Saudi Riyals. Dressed in colorful outfits, the beautiful camels are a treat to the eyes. One can enjoy witnessing the live races and other events for a lifetime memory to cherish.

3. Horse Events

One of the top attractions of the Souk Okaz festival, horse racing is great fun. The best horses are selected from the top breeds making it easier to train them to fetch prizes. One can witness this thrilling sport live at the Souk Okaz racing track wherein hundreds of beautiful horses participate. Managed and rated by the European Conference of Arab Horse Organizations, the racing and other events make the festivity a delightful experience. Organized by the King Abdul Aziz Arabian Horses Center, the event is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts.

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4. Souk Okaz Marketplace

Brimmed with numerous fascinating marketplaces, shopping in Saudi Arabia is pure bliss. A heaven for the shopaholics, the Souk Okaz offers a huge historic market extending up to 4100 square meters. The fascinating market consists of about 200 shops selling the best souvenirs like handicrafts, pottery, artworks, clothes, lamps, carpets, leather goods, honey, rosewater, perfumes, and more. After shopping for the best souvenirs, one can visit the nearby restaurants and cafes to savor the Arabian cuisines for a lip-smacking delight. The top attractions for the tourists include high-quality dates, spices, rugs, and edibles made from camel milk.

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5. Open Theatre

Out of the numerous places to visit in Saudi Arabia, the open theatre in Souk Okaz is a great attraction. One can visit the place to relish numerous cultural and theatrical performances of the best artists worldwide. Get a chance to enjoy cultural bliss amidst numerous plays, poetry, music, and more. Offering a perfect setting, all the events at the theatre are excellently tailored to make you experience every highlight of the country and Arabic culture. The top attractions include a concert by famous Arabic singer Mohammad Abdo and poetry by iconic Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen.

6. Military Expo

Visit the Saudi military court in the Souk Okaz to take a glimpse of the contemporary weapons, tanks, and equipment related to the army. One can get a glimpse of the various parades and events organized by the Saudi Military. Explore the place and get to know about the Military prowess of the Kingdom. One can also witness the antique weapons displayed at this place and analyze the development that took place with time.

Important Tips for the Souk Okaz Festival 2022

• It is better to inquire about the various events in advance for a better experience.
• Arrange the passes and tickets before visiting the destination for a hassle-free celebration.
• Tourists should respect the rich culture and traditions of the country.
• Dress decently and keep your sunglasses and sunscreen along.
• Keep yourself hydrated
• One can hire a local guide for a better experience.
• It's best to hire a local taxi to reach the destination.
• Make a note of the timings of the various events and buy passes accordingly.
• Don’t miss visiting the marketplaces to shop for the best souvenirs.
• There are numerous cafes and restaurants nearby where one can savor the Arabian delights.

The Souk Okaz Festival 2022 is a fascinating event in Saudi Arabia. Offering a lifetime opportunity to be a part of numerous events including art, culture, adventure, and more, the festivity will make you relish world-class Arabian hospitality and the majestic aura of the country. From cultural bliss, flavorsome Arabian culinary experience, and shopping delight, the festivity is the best chance to know every highlight of the country. So, what are you waiting for? Book the best tour packages of Saudi Arabia and get a chance to participate in the enthusiastic event.

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