King to patronize Janadriyah festival

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman will patronize the opening ceremony of Janadriyah 30, the famous national heritage and culture festival named after the village on the northern outskirts of Riyadh, where it is held annually to celebrate symbols of the Saudi identity.

The national festival, organized by the Ministry of National Guard, and the accompanying grand camel race, will be opened on Feb. 3, announced Abdul Mohsen bin Abdul Aziz Al-Tuwaijri, deputy minister of the National Guard and deputy chairman of the festival’s supreme committee, at a press conference he addressed on behalf of National Guard Minister Prince Miteb bin Abdullah.
The press conference was also attended by Michael Omacht, deputy chief of mission at the German Embassy. Germany is the guest of honor for the Feb. 3-21 festival.
Speaking to Arab News Omacht said on Thursday: “It is a great honor for Germany to be the guest of honor country at the most outstanding cultural heritage festival in Saudi Arabia, which is recognition of the excellent state of our bilateral relations.”
He added: “Germany is seeking dialogue with the people of Saudi Arabia and we hope the German pavilion can contribute to the mutual understanding of each other’s culture and promote bilateral ties.”
He revealed that Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German foreign minister, would attend the opening ceremony, leading an 85-member delegation.
Omacht said German artists, folklore dancers and musicians, as well as renowned academics will participate in the festival, under the slogan “Germany — Land of Ideas: Innovation Has Tradition.” He said that visitors at the German pavilion would be able to learn more about Germany and experience the rich diversity of its culture and traditions.
Berlin-based Museum of Islamic Art’s special presentation, “Early Islamic Capitals” — an art exhibition — will be special attraction, he added.
Al-Tuwaijri announced that Abuabdulrahman bin Aqeel Al-Dhahiri will be honored as “the cultural personality of the year” and will be decorated with the King Abdul Aziz First Class Medal in recognition of his cultural, intellectual and literary contributions.
He said the organizers were working on preventing any irregularity or mistake during the festival. “This will be done in collaboration with government and security agencies and in cooperation with Haia.