I recently had the opportunity to attend an air show just outside of Riyadh at the King Khalid Conservation Park. Within the park among many things is an aviation club. The air show was open to the public as well as free of charge towards promoting the aviation club. In compliance with the cultural traditions of the Kingdom the air show had separate areas for single men and those with families. Unfortunately the day of the air show was a windy day so some of the planned events such as sky divers and traditional Saudi dancers had to be scratched from the schedule. However, overall the air show was an enjoyable afternoon of entertainment.
A naval pilot displayed his skill at operating a helicopter. He flew it no less than 8 feet off of the desert ground as well as performing other heart-clenching maneuvers. Two small aircraft flew but did not really perform any major kind of stunts which was also probably due to the high winds. There were a group of Saudis who demonstrated their skill in flying a variety of different remote control model airplanes. This was an enjoyable event to watch and I applaud the skills of the operators who put their remote control plans through dives, spins and dog fights. One of the remote control model airplanes was simulated after a fighter jet. It was much larger, about six to eight feet in length, and displayed the traditional khaki camouflage covers of the military aircrafts.
In addition to the air show, across the roadway there was a small souk (bizarre) with tents selling traditional goods, trinkets and freshly baked breads and cookies. To my delight, one of the vendors had a wide selection of the Saudi farwas (traditional beudion style robes) on display and for sale. Ironically due to the winds and cool weather I wore my own farwa that day to the outing.
This was an event that was well covered. There were many Saudi families, mixed families and expats in full attendance. Many, including ourselves, brought our own flasks of hot Arabic kawa to enjoy while watching the show.
Following are a few links I discovered which provide a little more information about the King Khalid Conservation Park and its amenities:
King Khalid Conservation Park
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=303629
And if you are in Riyadh, I’ve also included a few other links of some favorite places to go and enjoy oneself on a weekend afternoon:
Equestrian Club of Riyadh
http://www.frusiya.com/english/home_en2.asp
http://www.ifahr.net/arabian-horse-racing-organisations.php?ld=16
http://delhi4cats.wordpress.com/2007/10/18/the-equestrian-club-of-riyadh/
Al Amiriyah
http://saudi-arabia.relocate-anyplace.selfip.com/relocate/Saudi%20Arabia/Ar%20Riyad/Al%20Amiriyah
Filed under: culture, horses, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, travel, Uncategorized
These are the kinds of events that reinforce one’s contentment in living in a country that lets muttaween run loose. My family used to take a picnic supper to one of the lovely public gardens every weekend after Magrhib prayer (weather permitting). We’d spread a blanket under a palm tree, and sit together as a family. The public garden was one of the few places in which we could do this, and we loved it. The kids would play in the playground, and my husband and I would read.
Another lovely spot where one can have a semblance of “western normalcy” is to go to the Al Maather Cave Park located on the grounds of King Faisal Specialist Hospital. This park has playgrounds, fountains, walking trails, hiking trails, scenic lake, picnic tables and grills….AND women can enter with or without an abaya! It makes for a lovely place for a family to go and enjoy a traditional western picnic.
Wow! That park did not exist when I worked at KFSH. I’d love to see it.