Tareq Al-Thaqafi

MAKKAH: The Fawanees festival, an annual event organized by the Makkah Chamber and endorsed by the Ministry of Culture, has attracted many visitors this Ramadan, according to its organizers.

Held at the Makkah Chamber’s Exhibition and Events Center, the festival is billed as offering “a diverse range of entertainment, cultural, social and artistic experiences.”

With more than 200 exhibitors in the Ramadan Market section, visitors also have plenty of options for food and beverages.

The event includes live shows and entertainment zones “for all age groups,” including a petting zoo and the Fawanees Studio, which features influencers, entrepreneurs, and exhibitors sharing their insights and experiences.

Dr. Turki bin Suleiman Al-Amro, secretary-general of the Makkah Chamber, underscored the significance of innovative event curation for community engagement, and said that such initiatives nurture local talent and foster economic growth.

“Fawanees has emerged as a groundbreaking social, commercial, and cultural phenomenon for Makkah’s residents and visitors during the holy month of Ramadan,” he said.

“By championing numerous small-scale ventures and cultivating a vibrant entertainment scene, Fawanees encourages families and individuals to partake in its festivities, thereby bolstering the economic landscape of Makkah, enhancing local production, and improving the quality of life in alignment with the objectives of Vision 2030.

“This event not only provides an innovative entertainment experience, but also serves as a platform to support small and medium-sized enterprises,” he added.

The festival runs daily from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. until March 31.