Syrian al-Badia festival witnesses great turnout

United Arab Emirates Defense Minister and Dubai Crown Prince Lt. Gen. Muhammad Bin Rashed al-Maktoum together with his three sons arrived in Palmyra (Tadmor) in the heart of the Syrian desert, where events of the annual al-Badia (desert) festival are being held.

In a statement to SANA's correspondent, the UAE prince said, "We shall always participate in such kinds of races which are held in Syria. We also invite Syrian equestrians to participate in horses races held in the UAE."

Well-known actor Omar al-Sharif arrived last night in Palmyra to participate in the Syrian Badia festival. Al-Sharif will take part in the jury committee to choose Miss Badia due to take place today. On Sunday, the seventh Palmyra Festival "al-Badia" was opened under the patronage of Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud al-Zou'bi.

The Festival's opening ceremony was attended by the Lebanese Tourism Minister Artoun Nazaryan and high-ranking officials from the UAE.

People's folklore shows representing the Syrian provinces were held. Folklore and people's troupes from Lebanon and the UAE took part.

A six km horse-race was held at the "al-Bassel al- Assad" for equestrianism.

Folklore, fashion and artistic shows were also held.