Enterprising families get buzz from business boon at Saudi honey festival

Fifty producers of traditional handicraft products participate at the fifth Jazan Honey Festival. (SPA)

• Al-Ghazwani noted that many festivalgoers had praised the high quality of the craft items produced by the participating families and some had suggested a permanent location be provided for these families to sell their goods

AL-EDABI: A popular Saudi honey festival has been providing a sweet taste of business success for local family enterprises.
Fifty producers of traditional handicraft products have been getting a buzz out of showcasing their wares at the fifth Jazan Honey Festival, taking place in Al-Edabi’s cultural center.
And so popular have their products been with visitors, that for many participants the event has proved a profitable experience.
Sulaiman bin Yahya Al-Ghazwani, the festival’s executive director, said that the aim of giving families the opportunity to exhibit was to help them develop their capabilities and talents, while providing a marketing platform for the promotion of their products.
He added that by highlighting local handicrafts, the festival was looking to encourage entrepreneurship and assist in the process of achieving sustainable economic development in communities.
Al-Ghazwani noted that many festivalgoers had praised the high quality of the craft items produced by the participating families and some had suggested a permanent location be provided for these families to sell their goods.
Families taking part in the honey festival thanked organizers for the chance to display their products and said the experience had encouraged them to drive their ventures forward.
Items on show included textiles, embroidery, incense and perfumes, calligraphy art, henna engraving, and accessories, in addition to traditional cuisine, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The festival aims to represent the character of the region along with its professions and traditional handicrafts.