JEDDAH: Several government and private authorities have completed their preparations for participation in the 26th Al-Janadriya National Festival for Heritage and Culture starting Wednesday. The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) is also participating in the festival with its new building, located on an area of 900 sq. meters. This will be a permanent place for it at the event, which is considered a world-class social and cultural show. In line with the directives of Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Riyadh Region and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the foundation, the Darah expects to boost the profile of the library which is intended to provide scientific information services to the public and shed further light on the country's history. During a recent meeting of the Darah's Board of Directors, Prince Salman lauded the step taken to construct the building, which will remind the public of the Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz scholarship for studies and research on the history of the Arabian Peninsula; and events taking place later this year including a scientific seminar on the history of the late King Fahd, and other occasions that serve to highlight the history of the nation. The new building, which will be launched with the inauguration of Al-Janadriya festival, is a similar design to Al-Murabba' Historical Palace at the Darah headquarters in Al-Murabba'. The architectural style is of the time when the Kingdom was unified by the late King Abdul Aziz. The building has been divided into several halls – one of them will display artifacts, items, photographs and information on the first Saudi state. Another hall will display items on the second Saudi state including photographs and historical national information. The King Abdul Aziz Hall will showcase items belonging to the Kingdom's founder. The King's Hall will have pictures, words and figures on the kings of the Saudi state during its first, second and modern eras. The Darah pavilion will have a hall where the late King Abdul Aziz's car will be displayed. In addition, films produced by the Darah will be shown. They focus on the Kingdom's various national occasions.
