Meanwhile, arts enjoyed a distinguished position during functions of the festival where intellectuals and writers came from different parts of the Kingdom and other parts of the world such as Turkey, Iran, Korea, and from many Islamic and Arab countries. Likewise, the new and interactive media was given special attention as it tackled the problems of young generations.
Functions of the festival were perfectly implemented but, however, overshadowed by developments in Syria, Libya, and Yemen. Accordingly, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques ordered the cancelation of Janadriyah Operetta in respect of the feelings of Syrian people toward developments in their country.
On the other hand, some discussions took place on the importance on how to improve and develop Janadriyah festival to cope with its mounting cultural and heritage role.
Some called for the opening of the Janadriyah village on a permanent basis to go in line with ambitious plans for the development of Riyadh city. Others suggested that the Janadriyah village be a permanent tourist village for citizens and residents. Others called for introduction of prizes for culture, poem, and arts that could be supervised by a higher commission, while a section proposed that Janadriyah be prepared to have an effective role in Saudi, Gulf, Arab, and world cultural drive.
And some recommended that Janadriyah festival be timed with the Riyadh international book show. But this suggestion immediately ran into opposition as the detractors felt that it would be impossible to host all occasions and functions simultaneously or at one time.
It has been noticed that the journey of Saudi couture remains continuous round the year: from the 2nd cultural forum of Saudi intellectuals through Janadriyah festival to Riyadh international book show down to arts forums that are being regularity hosted by key intellectuals, writers and artists in addition to cultural forums organized by Saudi universities.
In addition, Saudi culture has recently flourished due to emergence of arts clubs, patronized by the Ministry of Information, cultural forums, key libraries and publishing houses, innovation in the areas of poetry, story-telling and critical appreciation, and the widespread use of audio-visual, print and digital media in addition to the introduction of grand prizes carrying key Saudi figures in different fields.
Saudi Arabia remains committed to join foreign cultural functions where hosted days for other cultures within the Kingdom and, further, it organizes Saudi cultural days in foreign countries in coordination with cultural attaches at its embassies.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Abdulrahman Zamil, commander of Janadriyah camp, said the number of visitors of Janadriyah 2012 exceeded 7 million visitors.
On his part, former Jordanian Minister of Culture Jaris Samawi said he was very impressed by quality cultural content shown by Saudi youth and the active presence of Saudi women in Janadriyah functions.
Professor of anthropology Dr. Hussain Al-Mahdain, commenting on the outcome of Janadriyah festival, said the quality questions put forward during the Janadriyah events have affirmed that Saudi intellectuals possess comprehensive and wide acknowledgement on cultures and arts. He said Janadriyah festival represents outstanding and colorful Saudi culture.
On his part, Dr. Abdulmuhsin Shaban said the Janadriyah festival has become an important part of Saudi personality that draws the attention of thinkers and intellectuals from other parts of the region. He said the festival remains open to other cultural schools including Arab, Islamic and international schools.
