The historic Janadriyah Village in Riyadh is preparing to open its doors to visitors starting next Friday, January 23, as part of the activities accompanying the third edition of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival. This major event, held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, blends the rich heritage of the past with the authenticity of the present in a unique cultural and entertainment experience.
The village welcomes visitors daily from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with a vast area of 15,000 square meters dedicated to hosting events. It features over 60 diverse booths and pavilions, carefully designed to cater to all tastes, including a distinguished selection of restaurants and cafes, as well as shops showcasing traditional and handcrafted products that reflect Saudi identity, alongside modern displays that blend tradition and contemporary style.
This year's festival holds special significance, not only because it bears the name of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, but also due to the substantial prizes awarded, exceeding 75 million riyals, making it one of the largest camel festivals regionally and internationally. The arena will witness fierce competitions lasting ten days, featuring elite camels from various approved categories, in addition to camel races for male and female riders, and the popular "beauty" competitions among enthusiasts of this heritage.
On the cultural front, the Janadriyah village transforms into an open-air stage for the arts, where folk groups present performances of the Samri and Saudi Ardah dances, reviving and preserving these ancient arts for new generations. The village also offers visitors and tourists a rare opportunity to experience camel riding, strengthening their connection to this animal, which symbolizes patience and generosity throughout the history of the Arabian Peninsula.
The organization of this sports and cultural carnival comes under the supervision of the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, within the framework of an ambitious national strategy that aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. These efforts aim to transform camel racing from a mere heritage hobby into an integrated sports, economic and tourism industry that contributes to diversifying sources of income, attracting tourists from around the world, while preserving the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and showcasing it as a soft power that reflects the depth of Saudi civilization.
