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Saudi Gazette report
RIYADH — Over 400,000 people visited the German pavilion at the 30th Al-Janadriyah Festival that concluded at the weekend.
German Ambassador to the Kingdom of, Boris Ruge, said choosing Germany as the guest country for the most outstanding cultural heritage festival in Saudi Arabia was indeed a great honor for his country and recognition of the excellent state of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Germany participated in the festival under the slogan "Germany — Land of Ideas: Innovation has tradition."
The ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for choosing Germany and for opening the pavilion together with Frank-Walter Steinmeier, German Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir.
Ambassador Ruge also thanked the Saudi government and the Royal Court for their support throughout the festival. He also thanked Prince Miteb Bin Abdallah, minister of the National Guard, and all National Guard personnel involved for the excellent cooperation before and during the festival. "Germany's successful participation would not have been possible without the continuous support of the National Guard and their flexibility and determination," he said.
More than 15,000 visitors entered daily the German pavilion situated at the center of the festival site. About the same number watched the events and performances on the outside stage of the German pavilion. All in all 15 groups and individual artists from different genres of art, culture and tradition performed during more than 80 occasions either on the main stage or inside the pavilion. Thus, Saudis were able to learn more about Germany and experience the rich diversity of German culture and traditions.
"Germany was seeking a dialogue with the people of Saudi Arabia. Our goal was to promote mutual understanding of each other's culture. Thanks to the openness and enthusiasm of the Saudi public we feel that we succeeded in an outstanding manner," Ambassador Ruge said.
The ambassador said an exhibition about female pioneers in science and technology from Germany as well as the Arab and Islamic world which was put together in cooperation with Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah. Another highlight was the visit of famous traditional Saudi singers from the Meccan pavilion who performed their art inside the German pavilion last Thursday.
Visitors to German pavilion also found ideas and projects 'Made in Germany' whether in business, science or social affairs, and could experience innovative solutions the country is offering to meet future challenges.
