RIYADH, 9 January 2003 — On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd, Crown Prince Abdullah, deputy premier and commander of the National Guard, yesterday inaugurated the 18th National Culture and Heritage Festival at Janadriah village, 45 kilometers north of the capital Riyadh.
The glittering inaugural ceremony was attended by several members of the royal family, high-ranking officials and diplomats. King of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad was the guest of honor at the opening ceremony.
The festival began with the traditional and spectacular camel race, which was watched by a capacity crowd at the Janadriah grounds.
Prince Abdullah distributed prizes to the first five winners of the camel race — Al-Zaeem of Prince Abdul Aziz ibn Fahd, Manha of Turki ibn Suhaib Al-Dossary, Khateera of Prince Saud ibn Muhammad, Maseehan of the sons of Prince Muhammad ibn Saud Al-Kabir and Sarah of Prince Saud ibn Muhammad.
The festival, organized by the National Guard, has been drawing regional and international interest as it mirrors the Kingdom’s history and heritage.
Speaking on this occasion, King Hamad said the Janadriah festival “serves to preserve our Arab and Islamic identity and inspire the present and future generations with our glorious heritage.”
He thanked King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah for their support to the annual event, which seeks to derive benefits from the wisdom of the past as well as the Arab and Islamic values and tradition.
Abdul Aziz ibn Abdul Mohsen Al-Tuwaijri, assistant deputy commander of the National Guard, on his part, recalled the tremendous achievements made by the Kingdom in almost all spheres of life under the leadership of King Fahd. He outlined the significance of Janadriah festival and said the Kingdom’s past and present are based on the noble principles of Islam.
A number of prominent Saudi businessmen were honored during the opening ceremony.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Subait, head of the festival’s executive committee, said more than 250 dignitaries and men of letters from the Gulf states will participate in various events of the festival.
Later Prince Abdullah opened the new office building of the Ministry of Posts, Telegraph and Telephones at Janadriah. He received a commemorative shield and a number of stamps from Khaled Al-Gosaibi, acting minister of posts, telegraph and telephones.
The function was attended by a large number of princes and top officials including Prince Miteb, minister of public works and housing, and Prince Nawaf, director of intelligence.
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