Mohamed Al Ayed, TRACCS CEO and Vice Chairman of Athar Festival, Explores the Intersection of Creativity and the Future of Saudi Arabia
Ahead of the first Athar Festival, Mohamed Al Ayed, Vice Chairman of the festival and CEO of TRACCS, discusses why creativity matters and how the festival can impact Saudi youth and the Kingdom’s economy.
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is changing at a transformative rate, led by its leadership. The change is not just economic; it is also shaping the Kingdom’s story. Recognizing how important culture, innovation and creativity are to a flourishing society, Athar Festival aims to be a catalyst for change in Saudi Arabia.
Kicking off at Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC on November 13-16, Athar Festival is a platform for the creative community. Al Ayed says it is a place to explore and celebrate what creativity means to the kingdom’s future vision. The four-day program will bring together industry leaders and young innovators through inspirational speeches, networking opportunities, hands-on hackathons, and an awards ceremony to celebrate emerging creative talent.
Motivate Media Group and TRACCS are behind Athar Festival together. The festival is expecting to welcome over 1,500 delegates and 100 speakers, both local and international. Expectations are high, but Al Ayed also points to the bigger picture: Saudi Arabia is changing, and its future will be different from its past.
Referring to the crown prince’s description of Saudi Arabia as the biggest success story of the 21st century, Al Ayed says the festival fits with this narrative. He feels that Athar Festival is launching at a crucial point in Saudi Arabia’s development, giving creativity a platform to be recognized and celebrated.
Speaking about creativity and its importance to the future of Saudi Arabia, Al Ayed highlights its impact on various sectors and sees creativity not just as a tool but as a catalyst and enabler of the Saudi economy. Although the government backs the creative movement in Saudi Arabia, Al Ayed says the youth are the real architects, working with each other locally, regionally and internationally to put Saudi Arabia on the map as a source of creativity.
Athar Festival is focused on empowering youth. The festival has 12 academies led by experts that will support over 300 young creatives in fields such as marketing, content creation, social media, and communications. A 24-hour hack competition adds an extra challenge, ending with the Athar Awards gala dinner.
Saudi Arabia is moving toward a future built on its economic strength and the power of creativity, and Athar Festival aims to amplify the voices and contributions of the Kingdom’s young creatives.
