As the inaugural Athar Festival draws near, Mohamed Al Ayed, Vice Chairman of the festival and CEO of TRACCS, sheds light on the significance of creativity and the festival’s potential impact on Saudi youth and the nation’s economy.
In the era of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is undergoing transformative changes spearheaded by its leadership. These changes extend beyond economic shifts, shaping the nation’s narrative. Recognizing the vital role of culture, innovation, and creativity in flourishing societies, the Athar Festival emerges as a catalyst for change in Saudi Arabia.
Scheduled to take place at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC from November 13-16, the Athar Festival serves as a dynamic platform for the creative community. Al Ayed emphasizes its role in exploring and celebrating the creativity integral to the kingdom’s future vision. With a program spanning four days, the festival aims to unite industry leaders and young innovators through inspirational speeches, valuable networking opportunities, hands-on hackathons, and an awards ceremony honoring emerging creative talent.
A collaborative effort by Motivate Media Group and TRACCS, the festival anticipates over 1,500 delegates and 100 speakers, both local and international. While expectations are high, Al Ayed underscores the broader context, acknowledging the evolution of Saudi Arabia and its trajectory toward a future distinct from its past.
Referring to a statement by the crown prince describing Saudi Arabia as the biggest success story of the 21st century, Al Ayed emphasizes the festival’s alignment with this narrative. He asserts that Athar Festival arrives at a crucial juncture in Saudi Arabia’s development, providing a platform to recognize and celebrate creativity.
Al Ayed stresses the pivotal role of creativity in Saudi Arabia’s future. Highlighting its impact on various sectors, he positions creativity not merely as a tool but as a catalyst and enabler for the Saudi economy. While the Saudi government supports the creativity movement, Al Ayed credits young individuals as the true architects, collaborating locally, regionally, and internationally to position Saudi Arabia as a significant source of creativity.
With a focus on empowering youth, Athar Festival offers 12 expert-led academies supporting over 300 young creatives in areas such as marketing, content creation, social media, and communications. The inclusion of a 24-hour hack competition adds an exciting dimension, culminating in the Athar Awards gala dinner.
As Saudi Arabia propels toward a future founded on economic prowess and the potency of creativity, the Athar Festival emerges as a transformative force, amplifying the voices and contributions of the kingdom’s creative youth.
