Wednesday's activities at King Abdul Aziz Historical Center, which also houses the Saudi National Museum, were attended by a large number of expatriates, including many Westerners.
The crowds were recording the events with cameras and mobile phones in full view of the police and security guards who were on hand to manage the flow of traffic and keep the festivities pleasant for all.
The Saudi authorities have worked to help media from around the world cover the Eid Al-Fitr events. While some venues offered separate seating for men and women, other activities were limited to families.
The events at the Diplomatic Quarter were attended mostly by diplomats and their families. Arab News spoke to Ambassador Jan Thesleff of Sweden who is leaving the Kingdom after finishing his five-year tour of duty here.
Thesleff reminisced about the fact that he arrived in Riyadh on the first day of Ramadan in 2006 and his duties have finished at the end of Ramadan this year.
“I had pleasant experiences here every Eid. My stay in the Kingdom has been really enjoyable,” the diplomat said. “I will carry these good memories with me as I am leaving tonight. Let me take this occasion to express my gratitude and thanks to the Saudi people and to all walks of society who made my tour of duty a success.”
All of the designated places in Riyadh for the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations witnessed large crowds. People arrived from 4 p.m. at the Al-Sweidy Shows Square, even though events there didn't start for hours. That was the venue for attractions for children.
There were competitions for family members, and many parents were enthusiastic participants. Laptops, bedroom furniture and other prizes were distributed to the winners.
Eastern Riyadh Park in Al-Qadissiah Quarter attracted thousands of young Saudis and expatriates for the Remote Control Air show.
Shows Square on Eastern Ring Road hosted a number of Eid activities for families, which included a wall trampoline, trapeze artists, folklore tent and displays involving bicycles and motorcycles.
Prince Salman Community Center presented folklore arts and a “Feats of the Nations” program in which many nationalities participated. Women and children enjoyed plays, a carnival, games and prizes.
Many of large hotels in Riyadh had special offers for Eid Al-Fitr. Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh, which include the Al-Faisaliah Hotel and Hotel Al-Khozama were especially popular due to their holiday packages.
Al-Faisaliah Hotel was particularly attractive to guests this year as it has newly opened facilities in Al-Faisaliah Hotel South. The brunch at Hotel Al-Khozama is famous with families due to the special dishes it prepares especially for children and the clown keeping the little ones busy while their parents enjoy a needed break after Ramadan.
“Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh offer unmatched luxury hospitality and a wide range of the finest cuisine from around the world,” said Peter Finamore, managing director of Rosewood Hotels in Riyadh. “We are delighted to celebrate the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr with a variety of special rates and promotions.”
