Abha, 28 Rajab 1447 AH (17 January 2026)

The second Al-Birk Winter Festival opened yesterday in Al-Birk Governorate, north-west of Abha, before a large crowd and with wide participation from government bodies and productive families, in a festive atmosphere that reflected the festival's standing as one of Asir's prominent tourism and entertainment events and its role in stimulating tourism and the local economy.

The opening ceremony featured speeches underlining the festival's importance in supporting productive families, encouraging community participation and highlighting the governorate's heritage assets, along with varied artistic performances that offered a complete entertainment experience well received by visitors.

More than 40 stands and 40 carts for productive families offer visitors rich experiences spanning folk food, handicrafts and heritage goods, in a setting that combines entertainment, shopping and discovery of local cultural heritage, reflecting Al-Birk's identity and social history.

Government bodies are present with information pavilions presenting their services and awareness programmes, raising community awareness and engaging directly with visitors in an integrated approach that reflects the concept of comprehensive festivals with a development dimension.

The festival runs for three months with a range of cultural, entertainment and interactive programmes for all segments of society, cementing the governorate's place as a winter tourism destination and supporting tourism development goals in Asir in line with Vision 2030.