Prince Muqrin Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier, Adviser and Special Envoy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and Britain’s Prince Charles perform the ‘Ardha’ (sword dance) at Janadriya on the outskirts of Riyadh late Tuesday. — SPA

 

RIYADH – When in Saudi Arabia, do like the Saudis do – that’s the advice Prince Charles took when he visited the Janadriya festival site on Tuesday.



Prince Charles can be seen in the photo wearing the traditional ankle-length tunic known as a thawb. On his head, he is sporting the ghutra, a large square of cotton, which is folded diagonally over a skullcap, called a kufiyyah, secured by a cord, referred to as an igaal.



The heir to the British throne also makes an attempt at the ‘Ardha,’ a folklore dance indigenous to Saudi Arabia performed at celebrations or cultural events. The performance, carried out by men carrying swords, is typically accompanied by drums and the recitation of poems.



Prince Charles arrived in the Kingdom late Monday as part of a four-day Middle East tour which includes a quick stopover in Qatar. The trip marks his 10th trip to Saudi Arabia since he first toured the nation in 1986. — Al Arabiya