There is no better place than Janadriyah, a village situated about 43 kilometres from the Kingdom’s capital - Riyadh, to experience authentic Saudi Arabian cultural and traditional lifestyle. Annually, Janadriyah plays host to the National Heritage and Cultural Festival, thronged by thousands of visitors from in and around the Kingdom and from other countries, as well.Popularly referred to as ‘Janadriyah festival’, the National Heritage and Cultural Festival has been held since 1985, following a Royal Decree issued by late King Fahd. When the event was held for the first time, it was met with such a rousing welcome that it has since become an important event in the Kingdom’s cultural calendar.
Over the years, the Janadriyah festival has been showcasing the lifestyle that citizens of the Kingdom led before the discovery of oil. Organised by the National Guards, the festival also exhibits traditional dances, wedding rituals, food and everyday-life of the past. Prior to the year 1985, the only cultural event held in the Kingdom was the camel race that attracted wide participation and audience. Today, the camel race marks the beginning of the week-long cultural extravaganza.