On a recent visit to the 15th Klija Festival in Buraidah, diplomats from various countries, accompanied by their families, immersed themselves in the local culture of Saudi Arabia. The festival showcased local talents, including producers and businesses specializing in the creation of klija, a traditional date-molasses-filled cookie, and other native dishes.
The festival served as a platform for the ambassadors to understand the deep cultural significance of klija to the residents of the region. They also experienced a variety of activities at the King Khalid Cultural Center.
Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohammad Habibu Tijani, expressed his enjoyment of the festival’s diverse economic activities and praised the local artisans for their role in promoting regional foods and crafts. Similarly, Finland’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Anu-Eerika Viljanen, described her visit as ‘wonderful and memorable,’ commending the family-run cottage industries for their distinctive presentation of the traditional dessert.
Sharif Walid, the Algerian Ambassador, also commended the event for highlighting a product that is not only popular but also a historical legacy of the area. He recognized the klija industry as instrumental in achieving various professional and practical objectives, ensuring the sustainability of family-operated cottage industries.