The announcement was made in Riyadh on Tuesday on behalf of Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, minister of state and chief of the National Guard, which organizes the annual festival.

Addressing a press conference, Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Al-Tuwaijri, assistant deputy commander of the National Guard, said King Abdullah would witness the first round of the camel race on April 13. The press briefing was attended by senior National Guard officials and Japanese Ambassador Shigeru Endo, whose country is the guest of honor this year.

Spelling out the potential highlights of this year’s festival, Al-Tuwaijri said a cultural symposium entitled “The Kingdom and the World: A Future Strategic Vision,” would be organized.

“Over 500 thinkers, men of letters and politicians will take part in the symposium which Abdul Aziz Khoja, minister of culture and information, will attend as a guest of honor,” he added.

The festival, which plays a crucial role in preserving the Kingdom’s national heritage, will begin with a traditional camel race and is intended to embrace all aspects of Saudi traditions and culture, said Al-Tuwaijri, who is also deputy chief of the festival’s organizing panel.

The opening day will feature traditional art and music from all over the Kingdom. Another highlight will be folklore dances performed by troupes representing various regions of the Kingdom.

Asked about whether women could visit the festival, he pointed out that families would be allowed to visit.

“There will be no restriction,” said the prince. April 21 has been designated as a family day, while a few other days will also be reserved for families, said a member of the organizing panel.

Referring to the Japanese participation in the festival, he said that the Tokyo has made elaborate preparations despite the natural disaster that devastated parts of the country.

“Japan will show every aspect of Japanese lifestyle to the Saudi people and to the residents living in this country,” said Japanese Ambassador Endo.

He pointed out that a number of Japanese companies including Panasonic, Toyota, Nissan, Sony and Isuzu among others would participate in the event. He said that preparations are in full swing for setting up the Japanese pavilion at the festival.

A Japanese company will also install the world’s largest television units, including a 152-inch flat screen plasma and 103-inch 3D TV set, to relay festival highlights. The festival is likely to attract some 2 million visitors this year. The 17-day festival ends on April 29.