Riyadh celebrates Pakistan's living heritage

Crowds pack Al-Suwaidi Park as celebrations wrap up with music, crafts and packed audiences

RIYADH:

Celebrations marking the Pakistan Culture Days in Riyadh drew thousands of visitors over three days, offering a comprehensive showcase of music, heritage, food and performance arts, as Saudi Arabia's 'Global Harmony 2' initiative continued.

Highlighting resident communities and promoting cultural exchange under broader Vision 2030 goals, the Saudi Ministry of Media organised the Pakistan Culture Days in cooperation with the General Entertainment Authority, hosting the events at one of Riyadh Season's busiest zones.

Crowds began gathering from the opening day, when folk groups introduced the cultural diversity of Pakistan through regional dances, heritage demonstrations and a student-led presentation from a Pakistani school in the Kingdom.

The activities formed part of the Quality of Life Programme, which seeks to advance Saudi Arabia's cultural, entertainment, sports and tourism sectors. The ministry said these events affirm Riyadh's commitment to celebrating the traditions of communities living in the country.

The venue, Al-Suwaidi Park, featured a wide variety of booths displaying traditional clothing, handicrafts and culinary offerings representing Pakistan's rich heritage. Visitors sampled dishes from several provinces, while artisans demonstrated craft techniques passed down through generations across Pakistani communities in South Asia and abroad.

Throughout the event, audiences experienced cultural expressions from Punjab, Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Sindh. Performers in regional attire delivered energetic folk routines that drew significant engagement, as families and visitors of multiple nationalities joined in celebrating the shared musical and artistic traditions.

The second day attracted a particularly large turnout, with thousands attending musical sets, dance performances and regional demonstrations. Organisers highlighted that the programme underscored Pakistan's cultural vibrancy and the strong ties between the Pakistani community and Saudi Arabia, home to one of the world's largest overseas Pakistani populations.

As the programme progressed, the main stage became a central attraction where Pakistani artists delivered musical and heritage performances reflecting the country's longstanding artistic traditions. Traditional rhythms, vocalists and instrumental segments kept the audience engaged, with many spectators remaining at the venue until late evening.

The Ministry of Media noted that the initiative strengthens engagement with resident communities, creating opportunities for cultural appreciation while enhancing the Kingdom's role as a meeting point for global cultures. It added that the events were designed to deepen social cohesion and promote understanding among diverse nationalities living in Saudi cities.

The concluding evening on Monday maintained the same level of enthusiasm seen during earlier days. The final programme included performances by leading Pakistani singers, who delivered a mix of musical and stage acts across various platforms at the venue. Traditional shows, dance segments and extensive craft displays contributed to a lively atmosphere.

Crowds moved between heritage exhibitions and interactive activities, reflecting the organisers' intent to create an accessible environment for families and individuals of all ages. Many visitors returned for multiple days of the event, taking advantage of the diverse schedule that extended across cultural, entertainment and artistic themes.

Ministry officials emphasised that the Pakistan Culture Days aligned directly with Saudi Vision 2030, particularly its emphasis on enriching entertainment options, promoting cultural diversity and enhancing public engagement through high-quality events. They added that the strong turnout highlighted growing interest in cross-cultural experiences among residents and visitors.

With the Pakistan festivities concluded, preparations were already under way for the next segment of Global Harmony 2, focusing on Indonesia. The Indonesian Culture events began on Tuesday, featuring a comprehensive suite of concerts, performances and demonstrations designed to introduce one of Asia's most diverse cultures to Riyadh audiences.

Organisers said the Indonesian programme will include concerts featuring leading singers and influencers, with approximately 70 performers presenting traditional arts and folklore. These acts are expected to highlight Indonesia's regional variety, spanning musical genres, dances, rituals and storytelling traditions enriched by centuries of heritage.

Visitors will also have access to craft stations and food stalls offering Indonesian dishes, allowing attendees to experience the culinary diversity of the world's largest archipelago. Dedicated areas for children, along with interactive activities, ensure that the event remains accessible to audiences of multiple age groups.

The Ministry of Media noted that the Indonesian activities will continue the Global Harmony initiative's broader objective of celebrating resident communities and enhancing cultural understanding. Organisers said each segment is designed to highlight both authenticity and creativity, allowing visitors to learn about global traditions within a family-friendly environment.

Global Harmony was first launched last year, with the second edition aiming to feature 14 cultures represented by expatriate communities across the Kingdom. In addition to Pakistan and Indonesia, upcoming segments will highlight the Philippines from December 5 to 8, Uganda from December 9 to 10, Ethiopia from December 11 to 13 and Sudan from December 14 to 20.

The initiative's structure, which includes daily shows and cultural activities, seeks to demonstrate the depth of integration and harmony between resident communities and Saudi society.

Officials said that by celebrating different nationalities, the programme enhances cultural diversity while supporting the Kingdom's ambition to establish itself as a hub for creativity and global cultural engagement.

As Pakistan Culture Days concluded with strong public participation, organisers expressed confidence that the Indonesian events and subsequent cultural programmes would continue attracting large audiences.

They stressed that the initiative symbolises Saudi Arabia's vision of fostering cross-cultural connection, promoting shared understanding and creating spaces where global traditions can be celebrated openly.