"King Abdullah has approved the institution of an international prize for researchers in heritage and culture. It will be named the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz International Prize for Heritage and Culture," Miteb told a news conference. "There will be two prizes annually: the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz International Prize for Culture and the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz International Prize for Heritage," he added.

The prizes will be distributed during the opening session of the National Festival for Heritage and Culture in Janadriya from next year. A board of trustees, chaired by King Abdullah, will be in charge of the prizes. It will have a secretary-general to supervise administrative and organizational matters.

Prince Miteb said the board would also have a consultative body to draft rules and regulations and set out a mechanism to select winners. Apart from the fabulous cash prizes, winners will receive certificates and medals. The prizes are open to researchers from Saudi Arabia and other parts of the world.

Prince Miteb said King Abdullah will inaugurate this year's Janadriya Festival on March 17. He said a balloon carrying the king's photo and the Saudi flag will be launched during the festival. It will fly over a number of countries during its yearlong flight and be flown at several international events. He said the balloon is being launched to highlight the king's call for interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence of nations.

More than 1,000 contestants from the Kingdom and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states will take part in the festival's premier event, a camel race. In addition to cash prizes worth SR2.2 million, winners will receive 10 cars. The opening ceremony will include an operetta named "The unity of nation." Well-known singers Muhammad Abdu, Abdul Majeed Abdullah, Rashid Al-Majed, Abbas Ibrahim and Majed Al-Muhandes will take part in the musical program.

The Aradha sword dance, one of the festival's main attractions, will be held on March 23 at Dareya. "This traditional dance reflects the honor and power of the Ummah," said Miteb, adding that more than 400 intellectuals and men of letters from the Kingdom and abroad are to take part in the festival.

"Cultural programs will be held in Makkah, Jeddah and Dhahran for the first time outside Riyadh as part of the festival," Miteb said. "These programs will focus on cultural dialogue and peaceful coexistence between nations and the obstacles facing them," he added.

Prince Miteb commended the proposed participation of GCC countries in the festival including in programs for women. He also welcomed France's participation, as the festival's guest of honor this year. A Qur'an and Hadith competition for students will also be held. Saudi poet Abdullah bin Drees will be honored as personality of the year.

New pavilions for the Ministry of Education, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the Youth Welfare Presidency will be opened at the festival this year. The new parking area at Janadriya can accommodate 100,000 cars.