Beita-al-Khair Exhibition in 27th Janadriyah

By Asif Anwar Alig

 

Al-khobar | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: The 27^th Janadriyah festival portrayed rich cultural amalgamation of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)—heritage and towering growth since 1932. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz had inaugurated this 10-day long historical celebration on February 8, 2012.

 

South Korean President, Lee Myung-bak was festival’s guest of honor. Bahrain’s King, Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs of the UAE, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan were the other key dignitaries.

Late King Fahd bin Abdulaziz had inaugurated Janadriyah festival for the first time in 1985.

Opened amid glittering festivities, this festival preserves Kingdom’s national heritage. Traditional camel racing, arts and crafts exhibitions, poetry readings and et al make it pulsating occasion.

The Beita-al-Khair exhibited Eastern Province (EP) which the Governor, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz inspected. It featured Region’s developments in the last three decades. General Supervisor of Beita-al-Khair cum General Manager of the Public Relations and Protocol in EP, Faisal bin Mohammed Alqo greeted dignitaries at the Beita-al-Khair during the festival.

EP Governor’s initiatives to support the meritorious students through scholarships to excel in scientific studies and Prince Sultan Fund for Development of Women were notable steps that came into notice.

 

Previously called Rowdhat Souwais, the Janadriyah would then start with mere camel racing. Enthralling programs were added over the decades to reshape it into wonderful cultural festival in whole Arab world. Today it juxtaposes human spirit by displaying the diverse Saudi heritage. It keeps the new generation aware of glorious past, outstanding present and bright future.

Recent Janadriyah concentrated on administrative and financial reforms in KSA and the bonding of Saudi-Korean culture. It augured the Arab thinkers and intellectuals to ensemble for growth.

 

Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) displayed more than 14,000 retrieved antiques in the festival for the first time.