Germany will display its ancient and modern traditions at this year's 30th Janadriyah Festival, German ambassador, Boris Ruge, told local media, adding that 50 renowned artists from his country will take part in the event, exhibiting their art at Germany's pavilion, which will cover 20,000 square meters.

Germany will be the guest of honor at the National Heritage and Culture Festival to be held from Feb. 4 to Feb. 22 next year, at the Janadriyah heritage village located on the outskirts of Riyadh.

Under the slogan “Germany — Land of Ideas: Innovation has tradition,” the event's opening ceremony will be attended by the country's foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, as well as a high profile delegation of German artists, folk dancers, musicians and renowned academics.

“It was a great honor for Germany to have been chosen as the guest country for the upcoming 30th edition of the festival,” the envoy said. “It is a recognition of the excellent state of our bilateral relations to have been chosen as ‘Special Guest’ for the most outstanding cultural heritage festival in Saudi-Arabia.”

The Saudi public will be able to learn more about Germany and experience the rich diversity of its culture and traditions through the huge display at the pavilion, Ruge told the press.

“Germany is seeking a dialogue with the people of Saudi Arabia and we hope that the German Pavilion can contribute to the mutual understanding of each other’s culture,” the envoy added.

“In the pavilion visitors will find ideas and projects 'Made in Germany' whether in business, science or society, and experience innovative solutions the country is offering to meet future challenges. We are inviting the Saudi audience to time travel through a typical German city,” Ruge said.

In a presentation to the media, Ruge explained that the pavilion tour starts at a medieval city gate and proceeds over a moat into the inner pavilion. Visitors will then experience a historical market place and half-timbered houses, known in Germany as ‘Fachwerkhäuser.’ After this, visitors will proceed into modern German life as well as a typical German apartment. Shops along the street will house various German companies with their innovative products and craftsmanship.

The end of the tour is marked by a fascinating look into the future.

“By visiting the German pavilion, people can experience firsthand that innovation indeed has tradition in Germany,” Ruge added.