LONDON, 1 August 2004 — On a perfect English summer day in the grounds of Syon House, the home of the Duke of Northumberland, Saudi Ambassador to Britain Prince Turki Al-Faisal opened the first Saudi Summer Festival on Friday. Open to the public over one of the busiest weekends of the holiday season, the festival showcases Saudi culture and tradition.
He set the tone for the event by welcoming guests in Arabic and English. “We are standing in what we hope will be a piece of Saudi Arabia during the next two days.”
In a personal reflection, he said that the pleasure of the event was doubled for him as his late father had visited Syon House some 40 years ago and that it was a significant moment for him to follow in his footsteps. “We sincerely hope that we can bring to the people of Britain a little piece of Saudi Arabia.
“I have been received, as a Muslim, with the greatest respect and hospitality by the people of Britain,” said Prince Turki, “and this has resulted in the most workable of relationships. What I can say for certain is that Britain is a most hospitable country.”
The Saudi “city of tents,” erected in the public grounds of the house, are filled with striking examples of traditional Saudi culture and crafts. The house itself hosts an exhibition of paintings and archaeological treasures found in the ancient city of Qurayat Al-Faw, a pre-Islamic center of importance to the spice and incense route from the Far East.
He encouraged families to come to the festival, touch the camels and Arabian horses on show and interact with the Saudi craftsmen and women who man the exhibits.
Admission to the Syon House and grounds is normally in excess of SR50. In a gesture of hospitality and as part of a well-planned public relations operation, the Kingdom is welcoming all visitors as guests with no charge.
Prince Turki was very optimistic about bringing Saudi culture to the people of the UK. “It will be a yearly event,” Prince Turki explained. “Hopefully, in the coming years, it will travel around Britain.”
He emphasized that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UK were very good. “There are however stereotypical images of the Kingdom in the minds of many of the British people which we hope, through this kind of open contact, will help to dispel. Even though in this event they will only get glimpses, I hope they will get in some sense a truer picture.”
Clearly enthusiastic about the event, Prince Turki personally guided the reporters and film crews around the exhibits and explained many of the details. “When you visit the Arabian horses, give them some sugar,” he said with a smile. “But don’t touch the falcons.”
