Buraidah, February 18, 2024, The Klija Festival in Buraidah, which commenced on February 8, has been a resounding success, attracting an average of 20,000 visitors daily. The festival has proven to be a lucrative platform, with average daily sales reaching SAR 1 million, resulting in a total of SAR 10 million generated within the first 10 days of the event.
Executive Director of the festival, Nayef Al-Munsaleh, highlighted the participation of families involved in the cottage industry, along with specialized companies crafting klija (date-molasses-filled cookies) and local dishes. The event has drawn thousands of visitors from both local and regional areas, particularly from the Gulf countries.
Al-Munsaleh emphasized that the festival plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable marketing and various professions, contributing to the development of craftsmanship within families engaged in the cottage industry.
The Klija Festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah, will continue until February 27. Launched in 2009, the festival provides an annual platform to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of the region.
As a strategic partner, the Culinary Arts Commission is actively participating in the festival to showcase Saudi culinary arts and celebrate klija as an integral part of the National and Regional Dishes Narratives Initiative. This initiative aims to highlight representative dishes from all 13 regions of the Kingdom, document their recipes, and invest in their symbolic value.
Klija, known for its delightful flavors and cultural significance, has been chosen as the representative dish of the Qassim Region in this culinary celebration.
