“The 2009 edition of Eid celebrations will begin with prayers and will highlight the festivity through a range of events and activities, featuring fireworks, concerts, shows, local plays, poetry sessions and women’s programmes,” said a spokesman of the High Commission for Development of Riyadh.

The highlight of the Eid festivities will be fireworks at seven locations in the city. All fireworks shows will start at 9:30 p.m. on the first day of Eid.

According to the programme, several sports activities, shows and a parade will be organised in Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium.

The 90-minute programme at Prince Faisal Stadium will start at 8 p.m. A major attraction will be car and motorcycle races. The three-day championship will be held at Riyadh’s Old Equestrian Club in the afternoon.

Other programmes to be organised during Eid include a remote control air show, a sky diving performance, a bicycle race and traditional music. There will be family programmes, too, with activities for children.

A folklore tent will also be erected at King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre where cultural programmes will be hosted from 4 p.m. to midnight daily.

A similar tent for hosting cultural events will be set up at Al Kindy Square in the Diplomatic Quarter. A theatrical and cultural troupe presenting mime shows willbe held to entertaining deaf men, women and children.

Major programmes for women, however, include folklore and feast event at Prince Salman Community Centre; poetry recitation by Saudi female poets at King Fahd Cultural Centre and women games at King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre.


habib@khaleejtimes.com