Tourism & Hospitality | Wednesday 17 February, 2016 4:37 am |

The heritage oasis at the ongoing national heritage and culture festival, Janadriyah-30, on the outskirt of Riyadh is drawing a remarkable turnout of visitors from different segments, as the festival enters the final stage.

A special pavilion by the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH), erected under the theme “Tourism and Heritage Oasis,” which includes sections such as the children’s atelier, a visual shows hall, interactive screens, social media screens and the “Live Saudi Arabia” program, is carried out by the commission and devoted to school students in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is witnessing a huge influx of visitors.
The major attraction at the oasis is Najdi Ardha, a warrior dance that expresses victory and pride in Saudi history.
“Being at the forefront of events, Ardha continues to draw a large number of families and children since the opening of the festival on Feb 3. The visiting families are very keen for their children to participate and learn the Najdi Ardah,” said Hassan Maroon Abu Zaeem Al-Dosari, leader of the Najdi Ardha Band at the fest.
“The Ardha training is part of the SCTNH vision and keenness to enhance the national sense and promote heritage and its love among children,” Al-Dosari said.
Children also expressed their happiness to learn the technicalities of the war dance and praised SCTNH for allowing them to engage in such a wonderful experience.
Abdul Aziz Al-Anzi said, “wearing the Ardha costume and waving the sword while dancing is a great reward.”
Moreover, the oasis further offers interactive activities aimed at en-rooting children’s sense of belonging and adherence to the national heritage. Another major attraction at the oasis is the short films screening.
These films were declared winners at the Saudi Colors Forum 2015 for highlighting tourism and heritage sites, and historical landmarks in a beautiful manner, thus taking them on a tour through the different parts of the Kingdom in only a few minutes.
The number of visitors at the oasis is estimated to be about 1,000 per hour. The visitors flocking to the fest were of full praise for the beautiful display of rich heritage and culture, and were enthralled by the programs. One of the visitors, Hamid Al-Anzi said, “staging the pavilion in such a beautiful way that highlights the cultural heritage will further contribute in promoting domestic tourism.”
Saudi Arabian Airlines staged a pavilion attracting a large number of visitors, especially those who are determined to know more about the national carrier.
Moreover, Germany, the guest of honor country, staged a special ‘Made in Germany’ pavilion.