RIYADH: Princess Abir Al-Mandeel, wife of the governor of Qassim region, visited the Janadriyah festival, touring the various pavilions that display art items and showcase the talents of Saudi women.
The participation of women in this 32nd national festival for heritage and culture is part of the women-friendly initiatives rolled out by King Salman. These have helped females to expand their participation in public life, which is a core component of the Saudi government’s Vision 2030.
This participation contributes also to rooting the national heritage and handicrafts, strengthening national identity, and promoting an entrepreneurial culture.
Diplomats express admiration for rich heritage
A group of ambassadors representing official diplomatic delegations in the Kingdom has visited the festival, SPA reported.
This visit was part of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs initiative in which diplomatic bodies were invited to visit the Janadriyah village with their families.
The diplomats were introduced to pavilions representing the Kingdom’s provinces, the government sector, and civil institutions, and they enjoyed traditional dishes, folkloric shows, and demonstrations of the country’s heritage.
At the pavilion of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, the diplomats were introduced to the Kingdom’s most important tourist attractions, and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pavilion, they saw documentary exhibits.
At the end of their tour, the diplomats expressed their admiration for the rich heritage they’d seen.
People flock to see Foreign Ministry’s achievements
One of the most popular attractions at the festival is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs pavilion which introduces visitors to the ministry’s achievements on the international political scene.
It also features exhibits of the late Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the former foreign minister, who was posthumously awarded the Order of Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, First Class, along with other dignitaries.
The pavilion also displays the first political passport of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.
In addition, there are many archival photos of internal and external receptions inside and outside the Kingdom, and ancient documents, conventions and treaties concluded by the Kingdom with other countries.
Rich museum of antiques, weapons and tools
The King Abdul Aziz Hall in the heart of Janadriyah houses several pavilions capturing Saudi Arabia’s architectural heritage, wildlife, desert plants, and historical everyday tools such as farming equipment and women’s beauty sets.
Nasser Hajjaj Al-Atwi, a participant from Tabuk, said the hall displayed more than 5,000 ancient items and tools including pots, historical currencies, hunting tools, ancient weapons, and early editions of newspapers more than 90 years old.
The museum also displayed the oldest coin currency used in Al-Ahsa, which was minted in Kuwait and used for 50 years during the 17th and 18th centuries across the Arabian Peninsula.
Al-Atwi said the museum displayed a working compass made in 1885, a few ancient Roman locks, and Ottoman weapons.
