JEDDAH: The fifth Gulf Theater Festival for universities and higher education institutions in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states was launched at King Abdul Aziz University (KAU) on Sunday, in collaboration with the GCC General Secretariat. The festival takes place at the King Faisal Conference Center, with the participation of 12 GCC universities and more than 100 students. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed and Education Minister Dr. Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh, in the presence of Jeddah Deputy Gov.  Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi and KAU Rector Prof. Abdulrahman bin Obaid Al-Youbi. Guests of honor and the audience watched a theater show and a documentary highlighting various plays by the participating universities. In his speech at the opening ceremony, Al-Youbi said it is an honor for KAU to host the festival. “We’re pleased to welcome all guests from GCC counties, and it’s an opportunity for students to practice their theatrical skills and creativity,” he added. “This festival is considered a cultural interaction.” He said the festival aims to instil confidence in students, showcase their abilities and talents, and contribute to social integration through the arts, especially theatrical art. KAU has allocated five theaters to host the festival’s activities. The theaters’ total capacity exceeds 4,000 seats. The closing and awards ceremony will be on Feb. 7. The participating universities are KAU, the University of Bahrain, Kuwait University, Sultan Qaboos University, Taif University, Umm Al-Qura University, King Saud University, Jazan University, Northern Borders University, Jouf University, Taibah University and King Khalid University.