Buraidah: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah has concluded after a successful 15-day run, drawing in an impressive attendance of more than 500,000 visitors. The festival featured over 340 sales outlets, marketing corners, and points of sale, and it also created 1,500 seasonal job opportunities.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the event was organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce at the King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah. Mohammed Al-Hanaya, the Qassim Chamber Secretary-General and festival supervisor, highlighted that the festival acted as an effective economic and marketing platform. It brought together families involved in the cottage industry, artisans, small and medium enterprise entrepreneurs, companies, and institutions.
He emphasized that the festival's integrated ecosystem boosted commercial activity, opened direct marketing channels, and enhanced economic returns for participants. The festival provided seasonal employment for more than 1,500 young men and women in various roles, including organization, operations, marketing, and services. This reflects the festival's contribution to supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events industry and the creative economy.
The Klija Festival aligns with the Qassim Chamber's efforts to improve the business environment and transform heritage events into developmental and economic tools, contributing to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.