Saudi Arabia's Red Sea International Film Festival Goes Into Shutdown Amid Torrential Rains

Light rain typically falls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia just a handful of times each year, with annual rainfall averaging under two inches. But the clouds opened up above the historic port city on Tuesday and unleashed a deluge, sending the country’s flagship Red Sea International Film Festival into emergency shutdown mode.

Organizers advised the event’s global guests to shelter in place — at their hotels, screening venues or the event’s bustling Souk trade-show floor — as heavy rains in the city can often result in road closures for hours.

Light rain typically falls in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia just a handful of times each year, with annual rainfall averaging under two inches. But the clouds opened up above the historic port city on Tuesday and unleashed a deluge, sending the country’s flagship