Saudi Arabia » Entertainment in Mecca

There are no public entertainment facilities such as cinemas or theatres in Saudi Arabia, since these are regarded as incompatible with Islam. Within expatriate compounds, however, a wide variety of leisure and social activities have developed, and there are opportunities to play sports, join various clubs and societies and mix socially with other expats.

Expats can also enjoy trips into the desert or the Abha Mountains, diving in the Gulf or Red Sea, or visiting the historic ruins at Madain Saleh. The main national festival is the annual Janadriyah Heritage and Cultural Festival, which includes camel races and traditional music and dancing and runs for two weeks each year.

At Al-Janadriyah Festival, traditional dances and songs of many regions of the Kingdom are represented Al-Ardah. It was originated from Najd area (the central area in the Kingdom which includes Riyadh city). In this dance the performers hold swords and stand shoulder to shoulder and swing with the swords. In the middle of the performers, a poet or a narrator stands. He sings some verses with the rhythm of the drums. What makes this dance as a special one is that the Royal Family members including the King the Crown Prince contribute in the performance of this dance.