Saudi Arabia’s Unique Event for Photography, Short Films, Tourism and More!
Recently, the Colors of Saudi Arabia Forum, the largest event in the Kingdom for photography, short films in tourism, culture and heritage to encourage professional and amateur photographers, witnessed in its fifth edition this year, greater diversity.
Starting in 2012, the forum is annually organized under the patronage of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH), which has developed it in all its aspects in collaboration with its associate partners to encourage and honor both professional and amateur photographers and short filmmakers, in an attempt to shed light on the Kingdom’s tourism, heritage and natural sites, rich and diverse society and urban progress.
This year it has been held between Dec. 11 to Dec. 17 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The week-long forum and accompanying exhibition this year will be distinguished by greater diversity and participation that includes a number of different subjects, according to organizers.
Major participants for this year’s forum included governmental entities, the High Commission for Development of Riyadh (HCDR), King Abdul Aziz Public Library, Tourism Development Councils in various provinces, Dar Al-Uloom University and Princess Nourah University.
“This year the exhibition included live workshops over six days where a selection of artists and professional photographers from different disciplines will deliver lectures,” an SCTNH official said.
“This was followed by discussion sessions and field training courses,”
he added.
Moreover, embassies also participated this year with a large selection of photos of different patterns including nature, heritage and antiquates.
Furthermore, there has been a special section to view tourism films, the producers of which vied to win awards after being judged by a private awarding committee.
Since the forum serves as a valuable opportunity to gain access to the Saudi market and connect with the target audience, the accompanying exhibition has had specialized sections that helped the participant’s easy access to their target audience.
Notably, the forum has been enjoying enormous support from SCTNH President Prince Sultan bin Salman and was visited by VIPs including Saudi ministers and foreign diplomats, besides regular visitors in large numbers, which is expected to increase significantly this year.
Prince Sultan bin Salman Photography Award
Prince Sultan bin Salman Photography Award is one of the most important awards instituted for photographers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. The award carries great value and plays an important role in the estimation of the efforts of Saudi citizens and highlight and honor their talent and creativity in the field of photography, production and publication of books and literature on photography.