Saudi National Festival for Heritage and Culture 32nd Janadriyah will begin on Wednesday under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and organized by the Ministry of the National Guard. In addition to the annual grand camel race, Janadriyah is considered one of the most important national events that depicts Saudi Arabias history. During a press conference, Minister of the National Guard and Chairman of the Supreme Committee of the National Festival for Heritage and Culture, Prince Khaled bin Abdulaziz bin al-Ayaf, highlighted the activities and programs of the festival, in presence of Indian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs whose country will serve as this years guest of honor at this years festival. Ayaf thanked the Custodian for his patronage of this national event, and announced King Salman’s approval to extend the festivals duration to three weeks. He has also lauded Crown Prince Mohammed, Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense, for the great support he offers for the fields of heritage and culture. The minister declared that King Salman approved to grant King Abdulaziz First Medal to the following cultural figures: late Prince Saud al-Faisal, late Turki al-Sudairy and Dr. Khairiah al-Saqaf for their great national efforts. During the festival, several events and seminars will discuss the honored figures at the presence of Prince Turki al-Faisal, Bahrain Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid Al Khalifa, and Saudi Minister Adel a-Jubeir. Several officials and figures including: Dr. Saleh bin Humaid, Secretary-General of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology Dr. Nasser al-Buqami, Dr. Radwan al-Sayed, Dr. Ayed al-Manea and Dr. Mohammed Al-Khasht, will also discuss topics related to combating extremism and countering terrorism in the world. The ceremony will include speeches, song and an operetta entitled “Imams and Kings” written by Prince Badr Bin Abdulmuhsin bin Abdulaziz and talks about the first, second and third Saudi state in a theatrical atmosphere that combines drama, singing and artistic performances using screens and the latest technology in this field. During the cultural program, the audience will discuss enhancing the role of women in society, the participation of women in public affairs, and the role of scientists and advocates in community coexistence. This year the festival gates will remain open from 11.00 a.m. till 11.00 p.m to allow the maximum number of people visit the festival. The Chairman of Janadriyah Supreme Committee thanked the governors of regions for their cooperation, lauding the Ministry of Culture and Information and all media institutions.