Some people expected the Janadriyah festival to come to an end. However, it has gained too popular in the country to meet such a fate.
Why is Janadriyah festival important? It is important because it is part of our modern cultural history. This Saudi multicultural forum gives us a glimpse of the last three decades during which different political and cultural events have unfolded.
It is not an exaggeration to say that during these 30 years, the forum has played a significant role in producing different ideas in the Kingdom and thus provided material for discussions and seminars during the forum.
Most of the Janadriyah festivals have been distinguished for being an arena for ideological and political discussions held in an atmosphere of openness. They have opened the door for others to voice their views.
Over the years, the festival has witnessed several rounds of ideological discussions, attended by intellectuals. These participants often included those who are prohibited from entering the Kingdom such as communists and extremists. These figures have also included westerners, Russians, Iranians or Arabs who are politically opposed to the Saudi state.
No topics have been off limits as Sahwa movements, modernity, end of history, relations with others and modern political and doctrinal controversies have often come up for discussion. As a result of this, many figures have come into spotlight during the festivals’ events. Some of these figures were prohibited from entering the country; however, exceptions have been made to host them.
Janadriyah festival has played an important role in shaping the relations of the Saudi elite, and those who are interested in its culture, with other figures. It has facilitated exchange of ideas. They have influenced others and got influenced in the process.
The festival may have given the impression of being propaganda project in the beginning but has over the years turned into a significant platform for political and cultural activities. Since some people were not used to the dose of bravery the festival offered, they sought to restrain it. However, this bravery has gone on. Some tried to limit the festival to entertainment and folkloric activities but its programs continued to include different ideas.
Janadriyah is more than an annual forum and festival, as it has played a significant role in bridging the gap. Now that it has marked its 30th year, it deserves to turn into a permanent institution that holds different events taking into account the changes taking place in the Kingdom and the region.
Saudi Arabia needs to become a center of dialogue and intellectual development. This is what the Arab Peninsula was known for and this is what has distinguished its history. It is not possible to achieve development without having space for discussion of ideas and holding of dialog with people from across the world.
Janadriyah has created a real opportunity to celebrate the heritage of the Kingdom’s citizens. It has become a museum where millions of citizens visit to recall their history, which is otherwise about to be forgotten due to the fast pace of life.
