The end of 2019 is fast approaching, but there is so much to explore and discover before 2020 begins.
From dance festivals to shows and cultural events, the Arab world has witnessed numerous entertainment experiences so far. Thankfully, 2019 is not over yet, and there is still a lot you can do over the next five months.
Here are seven exhilarating events you should most definitely take part in before the year comes to a close:
1. Oasis Festival (Morocco)
Location: Marrakech, Morocco
Date: Sept.13 - 15
The fifth edition of the Oasis Festival is taking place this September at the luxury Fellah hotel in Marrakech. It will feature electronic music artists from all over the world. An atmosphere of cultural heritage and relaxation lies at the core of the festival.
The festival is completely cashless, and all festival-goers will be given a "rechargeable" wristband which they must use to pay for everything (i.e. food, drinks, etc.). General admission tickets now cost €200 ($222.79) and VIP tickets cost €495 ($551.45).
2. Al Dhafra Festival (UAE)
Location: Madinat Zayed Park, Al Dhafra, UAE
Date: Dec.16 (2019) - Jan.1 (2020)
Al Dhafra Festival is an annual event inspired by Emirati culture and heritage. Events such as camel racing, dates competition, photography, and falconry are just a few of the exciting happenings present throughout the festival.
Entry is free of charge, and everyone is welcome to join in on the cultural entertainment.
3. The 41st Cairo International Film Festival (Egypt)
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Date: Nov.20 - 29
The annual Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) organized by the Egyptian Ministry of culture is accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF). It is the oldest annual and only internationally accredited running film festival in the MENA region.
CIFF is currently accepting film submissions from all those who want to take part in the competition.
4. International Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition (Saudi Arabia)
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Date: Dec.3 - 7
The International Coffee and Chocolate Exhibition is the largest exhibition of its kind in the Middle East. It aims to bring together chocolate and coffee lovers from all over the world, including investors and entrepreneurs. that's not all. The latest tools, equipment, and products will be showcased to all those in attendance.
5. Beiteddine Art Festival (Lebanon)
Location: Beiteddine, Lebanon
Date: July 18 - August 10
Taking place in a magnificent 200-year-old palace in Lebanon's Chouf mountains, the Beiteddine Art Festival is usually held during the months of July and August. For the last 34 years, the festival has hosted an array of art exhibitions and musical performances attracting both citizens and tourists alike.
Ticket prices range from 45,000 LBP ($30) to 360,000 LBP ($240) —depending on the seating location and performances.
6. Amman Street Food Park (Jordan)
Location: Amman, Jordan
Date: Aug.1 - Sept.1
The largest food festival Jordan has ever seen, Amman Street Food Park, will be opening in King Abdullah Parks starting Aug. 1 from 1 PM to 12 AM, every weekend (Thursday - Saturday), for four weeks. With over 100 restaurants, food entrepreneurs and a number of local bands, this is by far the most exciting food festival in the region this year.
7. "The Wizard of OZ" Broadway Show (Bahrain)
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Date: Aug.13 - 17
The broadway show "The Wizard of OZ" has finally arrived in Bahrain. The show, hosted at Bahrain International Exhibition Center, is one for the entire family to enjoy. There will be two performances each day, the first from 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM, and the second from 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM. This, with the exception of Aug. 13 and 15 in which only the 2nd performance will be showing. At 10 Bahraini Dinar ($26) a ticket, the show is selling out quickly.
