Rizmi Reyal

A Sri Lankan guest of King Salman at this year’s Janadriyah festival told News Agency the annual event is a must for anyone interested in a glimpse of Saudi Arabia.

“As the guests of the king, we were well looked after by the authorities and were given an audience with the monarch,” said Rizmi Reyal, managing director of the Traveler Global in Colombo, adding that the festival provides a comprehensive picture of Saudi Arabia.

He said Muslim guests were allowed to perform Umrah on completion of their visit to Janadriyah.

“Two of us came from Colombo for this memorable experience,” he said, adding that he was able to witness the unprecedented enthusiasm of visitors and exhibitors at the festival.

“I heard a great deal of improvements had been made to the festival, and this year, under the able guidance of King Salman, it has attracted more local, regional and global visitors.”

The Janadriyah heritage and culture festival in Riyadh City District is a showcase for crafts from across the Kingdom organized by the National Guard.

It celebrates the cultural traditions that unite the country, while also revealing the regional differences that create the distinctive character of Saudi individuality

The festival includes displays of regional architecture, cuisine, crafts, markets, dances and folklore. It lasts approximately two weeks and takes place in the winter, when the weather is cooler.

There are working displays of carpet-weaving, pottery-making and woodcarving from different regions.

Arabian dancers and singers provide entertainment while reviving the traditional songs of different regions. There are also displays by the armed forces, and displays of traditional swords and daggers.

The Janadriyah site is 30km northeast of Riyadh on Al-Janadriyah Road.