The Kleija Festival in Buraidah continues to write a long and successful story, embodying a long history of cultural and economic development. This prominent event was launched 17 years ago by the visionary initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al-Qassim Region, and has transformed from a simple idea aimed at showcasing a local popular product into a massive annual carnival reflecting the authenticity of Al-Qassim Region .
Kleija: From a popular dish to a cultural icon
Kleija is more than just a traditional sweet for which Al-Qassim is famous; it represents a culinary heritage spanning hundreds of years, made from wheat, date syrup, and special spices that give it its distinctive flavor. The festival has played a pivotal role in preserving this handcrafted product from extinction, reintroducing it with modern marketing methods that appeal to contemporary tastes, thus making it an ambassador for the region on local and Gulf tables.
Empowering productive families: the backbone of the local economy
The festival directly contributed to transforming "Kleija" from a limited home-based product into a promising economic industry, through:
- Supporting productive families: Providing free or subsidized display platforms, which enabled hundreds of families to achieve rewarding financial returns.
- Developing artisans: Transforming traditional skills into sustainable sources of income, and creating seasonal and permanent employment opportunities for young men and women.
- Boosting winter tourism: The festival has become a major destination for visitors during the winter season, revitalizing the accommodation and hospitality sectors in the region.
Buraidah... a city renowned for its culinary arts
The festival gains added significance given the international standing of Buraidah, particularly after its inclusion in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network in the field of gastronomy. The festival further enhances this global recognition, affirming that Al-Qassim possesses cultural and culinary assets that qualify it to compete globally. The event contributes to solidifying the concept of a cultural economy linked to heritage and strengthens the region's position as a hub for the food processing industry.
Official recognition and national identity
In a move to strengthen national identity, the Culinary Arts Commission has officially recognized "Kleija" as a major national dish of the Qassim region, a significant recognition that underscores its cultural value and its role in representing the Kingdom's culinary identity. This recognition is not arbitrary; it is the culmination of years of dedicated work led by the festival to document this heritage and present it as an integral part of the Saudi cultural landscape, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to promote national heritage.
