Bounding back with the spirit within hours after the initial shock, people in the capital returned to their normal lives, keeping spirits high and the momentum going, unperturbed by the terror strikes that hit the holy city of Madinah, the Red Sea city Jeddah, and Eastern oasis of Qatif on Monday.
The main roads and streets in the city have been decked out to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr with religious fervor amid elaborate civil and security arrangements to mark the auspicious occasion that marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Riyadh Governorate, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance and Riyadh Municipality have made extensive civil and security arrangements for the festivity to be enjoyed amid colorful celebrations with utmost public safety.
Riyadh Police have made comprehensive security arrangements for the festive occasion to ensure public safety, avoid any untoward incidents and have peaceful Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.
The Department of Mosques, which functions under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, has issued the necessary instructions for arrangements at mosques to commence Eid prayers, which will be held in more than 550 mosques throughout the capital just after sunrise.
Moreover, some grounds have been especially prepared to hold Eid prayers with separate arrangements for women by placing improvised partitions.
Furthermore, to make the special occasion a memorable experience for the Riyadh residents and those who tour the capital during the festival, civic authorities, joined by some private partners, have lined up various colorful programs to be organized at different locations for three days from the commencement of Eid Al-Fitr and entry for all the programs will be free of charge.
According to the High Commission for Riyadh Development (HCRD), Qasr Al-Hukm will be the center of festivities equipped with all necessary tools to host religious and cultural events during the first three days of Eid Al-Fitr.
It will feature themes such as regeneration, inclusiveness and diversity and is expected to involve various social, recreational and cultural activities during the festivity.
Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar, who is also the HCRD president, personally monitored the preparations which are being supervised by the head of projects and planning, Ibrahim bin Mohammed Sultan.
Notably, Qasr Al-Hakm has been organizing these events for more than 20 years, featuring artworks including bright paintings, illuminated squares and decorated streets with Eid greetings.
Moreover, a number of cultural and heritage events including folk art and a visual presentation titled “Memory of Riyadh” will highlight the rapid development of the capital.
There will also be folklore and poetry sessions held during the festive celebrations.
Riyadh Municipality has completed preparations to ensure a successful Eid Al-Fitr celebration which will be held at 43 locations in the capital.
These sites have been chosen in accordance with certain criteria such as geographical location, population density, special standards for easy access to the sites without congestion, among others.
One of these sites that has unfailingly attracted a huge number of residents and visitors over the years is the sprawling King Abdullah Park in the Malaz District, where dazzling and colorful fireworks are displayed before midnight during the festivity, besides a light show and fountain dance show which holds spectators spellbound.

Source: Arab News