RIYADH: Yanbu will be blooming again with its annual flower festival starting on Feb. 15, which this year features bird and butterfly gardens, and a range of activities for local and international enthusiasts. The show, that will be held at Celebration Park in Yanbu Industrial City until March 9, will have an array of colorful floral landscapes crafted by young gardeners from Saudi Arabia, according to the organizers. Abdulhadi Al-Juhani, CEO of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, said recently: “The festival is designed to cater to the interests of Yanbu Industrial City’s vibrant community while contributing to the ambitious goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. We aim to offer unique opportunities for economic growth and position Yanbu Industrial City as a noteworthy tourist destination.” Hani Owidah, president of the festival, said: “Preserving the environment and sustainability are top priorities of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, and we are keen for the festival to be closely linked to the strategic goals of the Saudi Green Initiative and to promote sustainable environmental practices while committing to environmental conservation. These initiatives include implementing a diligent recycling program, launching environmentally friendly initiatives, and educational workshops on environmental conservation.” The festival has previously secured multiple entries in the Guinness World Records including for the world’s largest flower carpet. JABEEN Co., the investment arm of the royal commission and the main developer and sponsor, stated that there would be several pavilions showcasing flower arrangements, gardening services, bird and butterfly gardens, and strawberry production. The festival provides a space for local companies to showcase their products and services, aimed at boosting this sector of the region’s economy. Over 2,000 people from the local community have been working as volunteers to set up and promote the show, having been trained in various aspects of event management.