Germany was honored to have been chosen guest country for the most outstanding cultural heritage festival in Saudi-Arabia. It was a recognition of the excellent state of the bilateral relations. The German participation took place under the slogan "Germany - Land of Ideas: Innovation has tradition". Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman opened the pavilion together with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir on Feb. 3, 2016. Germany's successful participation would not have been possible without the continuous support of the National Guard and their flexibility and determination. According to counts of the German Embassy more than 15,000 visitors entered daily the German Pavilion situated at the center of the festival site. About the same number watched the events and performances on the outside stage of the German Pavilion. All in all 15 groups and individual artists from different genres of art, culture and tradition performed during more than 80 occasions either on the main stage or inside the Pavilion. Among them were traditional folk musicians like the women "Zwirbeldirn", football freestylers or bands like the "Fun Horns" or "Mellow Maroc". Thus, the Saudi public was able to learn more about Germany and experience the rich diversity of German culture and traditions. "Germany was seeking a dialogue with the people of Saudi Arabia. Our goal was to promote mutual understanding of each other's culture. Thanks to the openness and enthusiasm of the Saudi Public we feel that we succeeded in an outstanding manner," former Ambassador Ruge stated after the festival. One of the main attractions was an exhibition about female pioneers in science and technology from Germany as well as the Arab and Islamic world, which was put together in cooperation with Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah. Another highlight was the visit of famous traditional Saudi singers from the Makkan Pavilion, who performed their art inside the German Pavilion. The German Foreign Office had initiated the project of the German pavilion together with the place branding initiative "Germany – Land of Ideas" and the Goethe-Institut. Partners from the German private sector were the Airbus Group, the Federal State of Baden-Wuerttemberg, DETASAD, Deutsche Bank, Dorsch Gruppe, Herrenknecht, GIZ, Lufthansa, Luerssen, SAP, Siemens, V-Line and Volkswagen. Allianz Saudi Fransi took the task of the official insurer of the event and Kempinski Burj Rafal acted as the hospitality partner. Inside the pavilion, visitors also found ideas and projects ‘Made in Germany' whether in business, science or social affairs, and could experience innovative solutions the country is offering to meet future challenges. The pavilion was designed as a time travel through a typical German city. The pavilion's visit began at a medieval city gate. Visitors then experienced a historical market proceeding into modern German life and houses. Shops along the street housed various German companies and their innovative products and craftsmanship. At the end of the Pavilion, visitors could take a look into the future.
