RIYADH: The Janadriya National Festival for Heritage and Culture will from Monday be open to family visits only for a period of 10 days after the first four days have been dedicated solely to males. The 17-day festival, the Kingdom's largest and most prestigious cultural event, was officially opened Wednesday by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in a spectacular inauguration ceremony of traditional song and dance and the Grand Camel Race, its 1,000 competitors undeterred by the sandstorm that swept across the area and the wider region. The opening was also attended by King Hamad Bin Issa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, and saw King Abdullah decorate Sheikh Abdul Wahab Abu Suleiman, member of the Board of Senior Ulema, with the King Abdul Aziz Medal First Class in recognition of his role in the preservation of Saudi culture. The Kingdom's largest and most prestigious cultural event, now in its 26th year, has as its centerpiece the Janadriya Village with its giant handicraft pavilion and houses and architectural features representing dozens of the Kingdom's regions. One new addition this year is the replica of Eastern Province architecture. Several hundred writers and thinkers are taking part in the numerous literary and cultural events hosted by the event, with stand out lectures and seminars addressing “The West and Islamophobia”, “The Kingdom and the World: A Strategic Vision for the Future” and “Economic Development and a Knowledge-Based Society”. There is also a fine arts exhibition and performances of plays, all highlighting the country's rich culture and traditions. This year's guest of honor is Japan, which, according to Ambassador to Japan Abdul Aziz Turkistani, will have a significant presence. “Japan is taking part in the festival with a delegation of more than 500 participants, a reflection of the deep-rooted relations and strategic partnership between the two countries,” he said. Abdul Lateef Al-Zayani, the Secretary General of the GCC, meanwhile, has lauded the Janadriya Festival as an “expression of the uniqueness of Saudi folklore heritage” and “firm evidence of the concern given by King Abdullah, Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, to the nation's heritage”. Al-Zayani further praised the efforts made by Prince Mit'eb Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of State, Commander of the National Guard and Chairman of the Festival's Higher Committee in “promoting the Kingdom's culture and heritage”. “The festival revives the true Arab and Islamic heritage which lies in the hearts of the Saudi people,” he said. “GCC countries support all festivals portraying the region's culture and heritage.” The festival opens its doors to the public at 4 P.M. and closes at midnight, with 9 A.M. to 12 noon Saturday and Sunday reserved for school visits. Schools wishing to organize visits can contact organizers at 01-4933303 for more information.
