RIYADH, 28 October 2006 — The Supreme Commission for Tourism (SCT) said yesterday that it was seeking to promote the Saudi capital as a tourist destination, rather than just a commercial place for work.
“Riyadh is the Kingdom’s largest city with a population of 4.5 million and is visited by thousands. We are looking to promote more events in Riyadh so the perception about the capital changes from being just a place for seeking work to a valuable tourist destination and recreational area,” said Abdullah Al-Asheikh, the SCT’s executive manager for development of tourism in Riyadh.
Speaking on the launch of the first cross rally and drag race championship which kicked off on Thursday evening near Fantasy Land in Al-Thumama district, Al-Asheikh said that the SCT has been promoting tourism in Riyadh through the establishment of the Council for Developing Tourism. He also said that SCT’s role was to promote tourism in Riyadh commercially and culturally.
Al-Asheikh said that the SCT was promoting the capital city as a family recreational destination and that many of the events this year specified special seating areas for women and children.
He said that due to the large public demand this year, Mayor of Riyadh Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Ayyaf Al-Muqrin issued orders to the organizers of several major Eid events to extend them till next week to give all people an opportunity to attend.
Yesterday’s race was attended by 5,000 people who gathered in the Thumama area. Several curious families also parked their cars outside the fenced area and watched four-wheelers zooming across the dirt arena.
A total of 120 contestants participated in the championship that started on Thursday evening and will end next week. Several contestants came from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Other local contestants came from Dammam and other Eastern Province cities.
The race is expected to continue next week on Wednesday Thursday and Friday. Attendance is free and open to men. Winners will be announced on the final day.
