JEDDAH: The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has launched a campaign for the mid-year school holiday under the theme “Don’t think of traveling,” providing 45 diverse events in 18 cities across the Kingdom running from Jan.11 to 20. “Do not miss the international and local events and shows we have prepared for you and for your whole family,” the GEA wrote on its official Twitter account. “To find out more, just visit the entertainment calendar site and discover the amazing events coming to your city.” In a press conference at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Jan. 9, the secretary-general of the chamber, Hassan bin Ibrahim Dahlan, said: “Today there is no reason for residents to travel abroad during the vacation as the GEA (is offering) a complete entertainment program.” One of the GEA’s main aims is to provide more recreational options for the Kingdom’s residents, especially during seasonal holidays, in order to help build Saudi’s entertainment and tourism industries. Events on the entertainment calendar for the mid-year holiday include plays, edutainment events and concerts, particularly in major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. Jeddah’s new Waterfront Corniche will host “Entertainment Avenue” between Jan. 11 and 20 while the international color-and-light show, “Luminarium,” known as the World of Glowing Colors — the first of its kind in the Kingdom — was launched on Jan. 10 and will continue until Jan. 20 in Raibal Events Land. “Sharqeya Dot Fest” will be held in Khobar from Jan. 11 to 17 and will feature interactive entertainment and challenging competitions, hosted by experienced performers. The international circus, “Cirkopolis,” is coming to Dhahran Mall between Jan. 11 and 13, while the comedy-horror play “The Haunted House”, starring Kuwaiti actor Abdul Aziz Al-Musallam, will be staged at the King Abdullah Cultural Center in Jubail Industrial City on the same days. Kid-friendly events include “Balloons Talk,” at the King Fahd Cultural Center from Jan. 11 to 14; a “Care Bears” show at Al-Rashed Mall in Ahsa from Jan. 11-17; and a “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” show at Salma Mall in Hail running from Jan. 11-16. The Eastern Provinces will also host “Fun Days Carnival” next to the Al Gosaibi Hotel in Khobar for a week, starting Jan. 13. In Jazan, the 10th Winter Festival starts at King Faisal Sports City tomorrow with an operetta. The calendar also includes a concert by the acclaimed Saudi singer Mohammed Abdo, and another a collaborative performance from Abadi Al-Jawhar — known as ‘The Octopus of the Oud’ — and singer and oud player Rabeh Saqr.