Advertisement

Saudi Royals Open Exhibit on Homeland

Share

Wearing red-and-white head scarfs, caftans and black robes trimmed in gold, His Royal Highness Prince Bandar bin Sultan; his brother, Prince Turki bin Sultan, and Prince Muhammed bin Faisal of Saudi Arabia strolled through the formal opening-night festivities launching the exhibit “Saudi Arabia Yesterday and Today” at Los Angeles Convention Center Thursday night.

As he walked across exhibition rooms depicting desert oases, souks (marketplaces) and ancient cities, Bandar--who is the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States--was followed by a trail of traditionally clad Saudi government officials and security personnel from the U.S. Secret Service and State Department as well as Saudi protectors.

“It’s impressive how they’ve managed to demonstrate the accomplishments they’ve made,” said UCLA’s Dr. Tom Rosenthal of the exhibit which illustrates the history of Saudi Arabia from ancient to modern times.

Advertisement

The 750 guests at the prince’s private reception to open the show were mostly from the local business community. They feasted on Middle Eastern delicacies such as lamb pastries, marinated squid, shish kebab, cinnamon-spiced shrimp, eggplant and yogurt salad and turnip pickles.

“It’s so lavish--the food, the fact they’ve taken over the whole convention center,” said Merry Norris, president of the city’s Cultural Affairs Commission. Referring to Saudi oil wealth, she said, “I wonder what it possibly could cost, then you realize that’s not a concern.”

Recognizable faces in the crowd included Lt. Gov. Leo McCarthy, Mayor Tom Bradley, astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Rusty Schweickart, Danny Thomas, Casey Kasem and movie producer Jerry Weintraub and his wife, Jane. Weintraub said the prince was coming to their house, Blue Heaven, for dinner the following evening.

Advertisement