In his address at the afternoon inauguration of the Festival, Prince Badr Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Commander of the National Guard and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the National Festival for Heritage and Culture, also referred to the symposium as one of the most important events of the coming days. It will be attended by many Arab, Muslim and western scholars, from Turkey, Pakistan, India, Iran, Senegal, USA, UK, France, Germany and Italy. Prince Badr noted that the Kingdom has always taken a pioneering role in holding high the banner of Islam and shouldering wisely and reasonably the responsibility of Islamic Call.
The Festival was inaugurated by Crown Prince Abdullah on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd Bin Abdul Aziz. Following the inauguration, Prince Abdullah attended the annual camel race, and awarded prizes to the owners of the winning animals.