Love Market Days Festival 2024 in Dammam: Reviving Heritage and Promoting Tourism
The sixth edition of the "Love Market Days" festival, organized by the Eastern Province Municipality, kicked off in the heart of historic Dammam, reviving the splendor of one of its oldest and most famous markets and transforming its alleyways into a living heritage tableau that embodies the authenticity of the past and the aspirations of the present. The opening ceremony witnessed a remarkable turnout of residents and visitors who flocked to enjoy the diverse activities designed for all members of the family.
The festival's organization builds upon the successes of its previous editions, reaffirming its position as a leading community platform that blends historical heritage with contemporary spirit. This initiative embodies the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, and his Deputy, emphasizing the importance of activating and utilizing historical sites to serve the community, thereby enhancing quality of life and providing distinctive tourist and recreational destinations.
Historical context: Why “the love market”?
The "Love Market" is more than just a commercial landmark; it's a city memory and a vital social hub for generations. The market earned its popular name as the premier destination for those about to get married in the Eastern Province for decades, housing some of the most renowned gold, jewelry, fabric, and wedding supplies shops. Located in the heart of Dammam, the market embodies the city's old urban fabric and has always been a meeting place for merchants and visitors from across the Kingdom and neighboring Gulf countries, making it a testament to the region's economic and social development.
The importance of the festival and its expected impact
The festival aims to achieve multiple dimensions beyond mere entertainment. Locally, it contributes to stimulating economic activity in the central region and provides a platform to support artisans and productive families by showcasing their products, thus boosting the local economy. Culturally, it plays a pivotal role in preserving and introducing folk heritage to new generations through folkloric performances, traditional songs, traditional cuisine, and handicrafts that adorn its various sections.
Regionally, the festival enhances Dammam's position as an attractive tourist destination within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, drawing visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences. Nationally, the festival aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the tourism and culture sectors and seeks to develop heritage sites into attractions that contribute to diversifying national income sources and strengthening national identity.
The Eastern Province Municipality affirms that the continuity of the festival reflects its firm commitment to transforming traditional markets into vibrant destinations that combine commerce, culture, and entertainment, while providing technical and administrative organization that ensures the safety and comfort of thousands of visitors and beneficiaries.
