The 15th Kleija Festival, held in the city of Buraidah in the Qassim region, is one of the most prominent events embodying the Kingdom's rich cultural and economic heritage. Running from February 8 to 17, 2024, at the King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah, the festival carries kleija, the region's most popular local product, from local kitchens onto the global stage.

Kleija: From Local to Global

Kleija, a dry bread disc spiced with a blend of authentic Arabian spices, is no longer just a traditional product celebrated by Saudis; it has become a symbol of Saudi culture that transcends its borders. Supported by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce and held under the patronage of the region's emir, the festival launched with ambitious goals to promote the kleija brand internationally.

Developmental and Social Impact

With the participation of more than 200 home-based producing families, the festival spotlights handicrafts and traditional foods, giving these families a platform to showcase and market their products. It demonstrates Qassim's commitment to achieving its development goals, ensuring the sustainability of traditional crafts and creating job opportunities, embodying a successful model of sustainable development in the region.

The Appeal of Kleija and Accompanying Activities

The 15th Kleija Festival is not limited to kleija alone; it includes a wide range of activities that attract visitors of all ages. Alongside traditional displays, the festival hosts workshops, competitions and entertainment activities that reflect the richness of Saudi cultural heritage.

In recognition of its contribution to promoting Saudi culture and heritage, the festival has received continued praise and support from local authorities and the international community. The efforts to transform kleija into a global brand reflect the Kingdom's broader vision.

The 15th Kleija Festival 2024 marks a defining moment in kleija's history, as it moves beyond being a local product to become a global brand. The festival is not only a celebration of the Kingdom's culinary heritage but also a platform for social and economic development, and evidence of efforts to promote Saudi culture on the international stage. By supporting small and medium enterprises and encouraging family businesses, the Kleija Festival contributes to achieving Saudi Vision 2030's goals of diversifying income sources and strengthening Saudi cultural identity.