The Makkah Winter Festival is running a four-month program, expanding cultural activity, supporting community engagement and increasing local economic activity.
The festival began in mid-December 2025 and will continue until the end of April 2026. Organisers said the extended schedule is intended to move beyond short seasonal events and provide steady social and economic activity over a longer period.
More than 25 events and programs are included across the festival calendar, targeting residents, visitors and Umrah pilgrims. Attendance is expected to exceed 800,000, reflecting demand for family-focused and community-based activities in the city.
Cultural content forms a core part of the program, with heritage sites, exhibitions and knowledge spaces activated to highlight Makkah’s historical background and civilisational role. The festival presents historical themes through interactive displays and educational content designed for different age groups.
Organisers said the program links visitors with the city’s cultural identity while presenting information in a contemporary format suited to a wide audience.
The festival is also expected to support local businesses by increasing activity at markets, restaurants and accommodation facilities. Platforms have been provided for productive families and small entrepreneurs to sell goods and promote services directly to visitors.
Officials said the initiative strengthens the role of events in supporting local income generation and contributing to the city’s overall economic output.