The Kleija Festival in Buraidah: 17 years of supporting heritage and productive families
The Kleija Festival in Buraidah embodies a long history of leadership and sustainable cultural development. It was launched 17 years ago through the generous initiative and insightful vision of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al-Qassim Region. The festival has successfully transformed from a simple idea aimed at showcasing a local popular product into a massive annual carnival that reflects the authenticity and rich cultural identity of Al-Qassim Region, attracting visitors from across the Kingdom and the Gulf countries.
A rich history and components of the Qassim region
Kleija is more than just a traditional sweet; it's a heritage that tells the story of the land and its people in Al-Qassim. This product is based primarily on wheat, date syrup, and dates—ingredients for which the region has been renowned agriculturally since ancient times. The festival aims to revive this heritage, connecting new generations with their past and emphasizing the importance of preserving the traditional flavors that characterize Saudi cuisine, especially during winter when demand for this product is high due to its energy and warmth.
Empowering productive families and artisans
Economically, the festival has directly contributed to transforming "Kleija" from a traditional homemade product into a promising industry and a cultural and economic symbol. The event has played a pivotal role in empowering productive families, supporting artisans, and transforming traditional and craft skills into sustainable sources of income that contribute to the local economy. The festival provides hundreds of free or subsidized sales outlets annually for families, giving them a massive marketing platform that ensures their financial sustainability and allows them to develop their products to compete in local and regional markets.
Buraidah... a city renowned for its culinary arts
The festival's impact extends beyond local boundaries, as this cultural and culinary movement has contributed to strengthening Buraidah's position with international organizations, culminating in its inclusion in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network in the field of gastronomy. The Kleija Festival is one of the key pillars upon which this global recognition rests, showcasing the region's culinary diversity and its ability to preserve and develop its intangible heritage.
National recognition and tourist destination
Today, the Kleija Festival has become a major annual tourist and cultural event on the Saudi events calendar, contributing to the establishment of a cultural economy linked to heritage and enhancing Al-Qassim's position as a hub for cultural and food industries. In this context, and as a culmination of these efforts, the Culinary Arts Commission has officially recognized Kleija as a national dish of Al-Qassim, affirming its significant cultural value and its role in representing the region's culinary identity, and reinforcing its distinctive presence within the broader national cultural landscape.
