Riyadh is the meeting place for the nation and the capital of the Kingdom. It is characterized by its geographical location since it is located in the central part of the Kingdom. It is home for the government and all governmental divisions and major companies as well as foreign embassies in the Kingdom.
Riyadh encompasses the biggest universities and scientific institutes, and is characterized by the hundreds of entertainment centers and historical sites scattered within the area.
Al Riyadh unites modernity and the past by high modern buildings and architecturally unique constructions.
A high quality infrastructure is found in a large number of its quarters. A circular network of roads is available which links the whole city together along with highways that link it to the rest of the areas. A huge airport is located to the north east of Al Riyadh.
Al Riyadh hosts the most important of gulf, Arab and International conferences on a regular basis. Hundreds of exhibitions and conferences known internationally are also held there, such as ophthalmology, dental, and medical equipment conferences, the Jaytex Exhibition, the International book fair, and an international motor show.
Al Riyadh includes a host of prominent shopping malls where the best international brands are available. Al Olia Street and Al Tahila Street are considered among the most important locations where high-class restaurants and boutiques are found. Numerous luxurious compounds are found along King Fahd Street such as Kingdom Commercial Center and Al Faisalya Commercial Center which include a group of international class restaurants. Popular markets are also found in Al Zil market where visitors can see the history. Visitors can shop as much as they like, for there are a lot of commercial activities that sell and manufacture traditional products such as swords, antiques and carpets.
Al Janadriyah Heritage and Cultural Festival
The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has invited the Republic of Korea as Guest of Honor to its Janadriyah Festival, or Al Janadriyah Heritage and Cultural Festival, scheduled to be held in Janadriyah in February, 2012. Every year since 2008, a different country has been invited as the Guest of Honor to the Festival.
Al Janadriyah Heritage and Cultural Festival is the name of the annual national Festival that celebrates the vibrant cultural treasures of Saudi Arabia. The locality called Janadriyah, situated 45 kilometers outside Riyadh, is the hotspot where all the action takes place. One of the oldest of its type Al Janadriyah Heritage and Cultural Festival brings out all the colors of Saudi Arabia in an aesthetic way.
Arranged by the Kingdom of Riyadh, the largest cultural Festival in the Arab world is a meeting point of all the aspects of art and literature in the Arab world with all its magnitude and expressions. Literatures, beautiful poetry, drama, intellectual discussions, music- all of them come in full bloom in this event. These activities serve two purposes at the same time- educating the mass about the richness of the folk arts and entertaining them with the performances.
Apart from this, the other main attraction is the camel race that invites thousands of spectators. Although it may seem to be a hardcore entertainment, the way the camels are handled and navigated speaks volumes about the art and the skill involved.
Surely the Festival is a perfect medium to get the essence of Saudi Arabia in a nutshell.
