RIYADH, 12 November 2004 — The Riyadh Development Authority (RDA) and the Mayorate of Riyadh have completed their plans for Eid celebrations here outlined by the Governor of Riyadh and Chairman of RDA Prince Salman. This year’s celebrations will include a wide range of events around the capital.
One of the main attraction sites will be the Medan Al-Hukm (Ruling Square) in the heart of the capital. Folk bands from different regions of the Kingdom will perform in the square, in addition to accompanying presentations.
The governorate has also signed contracts with Arab and international bands to attract more visitors to this year’s events. Many young Saudi men have been rehearsing for this occasion. A special space has been reserved in the East Ring Road for the Egyptian Circus as well as a Sudanese group.
Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Square has been earmarked for restaurants that are participating in this year’s events. Some 45 restaurants will be offering fast food and traditional dishes to visitors during the first three days of Eid after Asr prayers to 11 p.m.
RDA expects more than 1.5 million visitors to Medan Al-Hukm this year during the official 3 days celebrations of Eid in the capital. The area in downtown Riyadh contains many historical sites — the King Abdul Aziz Museum, Almasmak Palace, Prince Turki ibn Abdullah Road, as well as a park recently opened by the governor.
The complete list of this year’s planned celebrations in Riyadh is:
• Ruling Square: Folklore dances performed by different groups in the Kingdom daily from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Anyone can attend. No admission fees.
•Fireworks will also light the skies of Riyadh every day from 9.30 p.m. to 9.40 p.m.
•Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Stadium: Several daredevil car and motorbike shows will take place every day from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Air shows such as parachuting and gliding will also take place. Chinese, Syrian, and Egyptian groups will perform in the stadium to delight the crowd. There will also be bungi jumping, and a He-man show. These event will be for men only.
•Eastern Ring Road program: Festivities will take place between Exit 10 and Exit 11 in the recreational squares provided for these events daily from 3.30 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Motorbike and car shows, in addition to aerial shows and high-dive jumping, are planned. A special theater for children has been reserved. Several restaurants and outlets will be providing services to visitors. Admission fees paid at entrance. (Families only)
•King Abdul Aziz Historical Center: The center, which includes the National Museum that traces the history of the Arabian Peninsula from neolithic times through many civilizations until today will be open to visitors from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. In addition, several cultural and recreational programs will also take place in the squares of the center that include the Murabaa Palace. Anyone can attend.
•Al-Jazirah Museum: Programs will take place in this museum, located in the East Ring Road, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Visitors can enjoy space exploration exhibitions as well as displays of old aircraft. (Families only)
•Parks and recreational areas: Several areas in Riyadh will open its doors for visitors during Eid such as:
The Zoo: Open daily from 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. The first day will be for women only. The second and third day will be for men only.
Al-Rawdah Recreational Park: Games, Contests, and plays will take place. (Women only)
Parks: Chamber of Commerce Park, Al-Suwaidi Park, Al-Mansoora Park, Al-Areej Park will all be open during Eid for visitors from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Several contests and recreational activities will take place. Attendance is free, except in Al-Areej Park. (Families only)
• Folklore Village: Located in Alqariya Alshabiya Souk in Uraija, it will be open for visitors daily from 3.30 p.m. to 12 midnight. Several folklore performances in addition to recreational activities and contests will take place. Public attendance.
•Marathon: The first public marathon for men will take place in the walking area built by the Municipality of Riyadh on Prince Abdullah Road. Persons over 18 years can compete. Handicapped persons will also be invited to take part.
•Cultural Events for Men: Special events for men will take place during the three days of Eid from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. in specified areas such as:
“Star Wars” play to be held for public attendance in the Development Center in Al-Rayan district.
“Clean your hand” play will be held in the King Fahd Cultural Center in Al-Rafeeah district.
“The Cheering Union” play will be held in Prince Sultan University, Salahuddin District.
“Class 2A” play will be held in Kingdom Schools, Al-Rabea District.
“The Generous” play will be held in Saud Al-Babtein Center.
(Invaders) play will be held in the Technical College, Salahuddin District.
•Cultural Events for Women: Prince Salman Charitable Center: located in Prince Abdulllah District, the center will organize several contests and programs for children. Activities start at 5.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. daily.
•Cultural Events for Children: Several programs have been arranged exclusively for children starting from 3.30 p.m. Several schools and sports institutions have organized various plays for children:
“Fathers and Sons” play will be held in the Youth Hostel, Al-Namoothajiya District.
“I Want my Eid Gift” will be held in the Prince Faisal Cultural Center in Al-Foota District.
“Fun City” play will be held in Alshabab Sports Club, Al-Sahafa District.
“Lost Treasure” play will be held in Altarbiya Alnamoothajiya School
•Recreational Activities in Hotels: Several hotels in the capital will provide recreational activities from 12 noon to 12 midnight:
Almanhal Holiday Inn, Fahd Crown Plaza, Marriot, Riyadh Palace, Sahari Airport Hotel, Intercontinental, Alfaisaliah, Alkhozama.
