RIYADH: On the directives of Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman, the Riyadh municipality has announced a new initiative for Eid celebrations this year, which will likely begin on Sunday.

“The 2009 edition of Eid celebrations will begin with prayers and will highlight the festivity through a range of events and activities, featuring fireworks, concerts, shows, local plays, poetry sessions and women’s programs,” said a spokesman of the High Commission for Development of Riyadh.

The highlight of the Eid festivities will be fireworks at seven locations in the city. All fireworks shows will start at 9:30 p.m. on the first day of Eid. According to the program, several sports activities, shows and a parade will be organized in Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. The 90-minute program at Prince Faisal Stadium will start at 8 p.m. A major attraction will be car and motorcycle races. The three-day championship will be held at Riyadh’s Old Equestrian Club in the afternoon.

Other programs to be organized during Eid include a remote control air show, a sky diving performance, a bicycle race and traditional music. There will be family programs, too, with activities for children.

A folklore tent will also be erected at King Abdul Aziz Historical Center where cultural programs will be hosted from 4 p.m. to midnight daily. A similar tent for hosting cultural programs will be set up at Al-Kindy Square in the Diplomatic Quarter.

A theatrical and cultural troupe will present mime shows has also been arranged for entertaining deaf men, women and children. Major programs for women, however, include a folklore and feast event at Prince Salman Community Center; poetry recitation by Saudi female poets at King Fahd Cultural Center and women games at King Abdul Aziz Historical Center.