Janadriya, Riyadh

During the month of Feb each year is the celebration of Al Janadriya Festival a 10-15 day heritage and cultural festival annually that takes place every winter in the desert outskirts of Riyadh. Activities include traditional folk dances, crafts and arts exhibit, the sale of local handicrafts and the world's largest camel races.

Founded by King Fhad in 1985 the festival symbolises unity and continuity

It also provides an opportunity for local and foreign visitors to observe life as it was for previous generations of Saudis and how life was in the country long before the discovery of oil.

I’d been waiting to attend for this festival since last year but due to the news that families are not allowed to attend the festival this year I failed again so I will keep waiting for another year hopefully they wont be banned the family again in year 2008.

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Janadriya is an annual fair of sorts that brings together culture from all over Saudi Arabia. I can't describe everything, but there are traditional houses from Asir provence, traditional boats, crafts, food, camel races, music & traditional sword dance, and games for the children. Men and children can go anytime, but women must attend on "family" days, which will then exclude single men, I believe. I was invited by a couple of my Saudi students who dressed in western style clothing for the occasion. Monsur and Abdullah are shown in some photos. Great guys and more helpful toward appreciating the Saudi culture than the mock dates and tea ceremonies put on at the residential compounds.

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I didn't see the camel races, but I did see a Falconier and his birds. I also enjoyed the drums and sword dance. The Saudi culture is not so festive and colorful as many others on the planet, but for those living and working in Riyadh, this activity is quite worthwhile.

Since 1985, every year, and during the first Quarter of the year, Riyadh city celebrates the hertage and culture joint by large number of cultural fiqures from all over The Arabic countries.
Al Janadriya national Festival for hertiage culture is an annual event, which is the largest of its kind in Saudi Arabia, is held annually in Riyadh and portrays the different cultures, heritage, and lifestyles of people from all of the regions in the Kingdom.
The festival has two parts, one focuses on the heritage that held in Jenadriyah near Riyadh in Saudi Arabia each year, lasting for two weeks.
The second part focuses on Cultural issues and each year discuss different theme.
The first festival was held in 1985. During this event.

When: In 2007, the event was held in Mid of February.

History of the Event: The festival started in 1985, and 2007 one was number 22

The event includes also Camel race, Book fair,

This festival takes place once in a year roughly around mid of February, where you see local culture, shops, music and stuff. I cant give you more details on it as I havent visited this place myself yet but I have heard alot about it. So if anyone who will be staying in Riyadh during these days should make sure that he/she visits this place.