Saudi Arabia steps into global spotlight at Arabian Travel Market

JEDDAH: “Your Passport to the World” launches on April 30 in Jeddah, offering a month-long celebration of culture, cuisine and performance from the Philippines, Bangladesh, India and Sudan.

The event, organized by the General Entertainment Authority in collaboration with the Quality of Life Program, is a gesture of appreciation, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s ongoing cultural transformation and its message of welcome to residents from these countries.

After a vibrant run in Alkhobar in April, the program in Jeddah will feature interactive performances, traditional dances, artistic displays and food, with each country taking center stage on specific dates: the Philippines from April 30 to May 3, Bangladesh from May 7 to 10, India from May 14 to 17, and Sudan from May 21 to 24.

The events in Alkhobar and at Al-Suwaidi Park during Riyadh Season attracted large crowds and engaged families and visitors with diverse experiences, drawing thousands of attendees.

Mohammed Al-Abadi, one of the event organizers, said during a detailed presentation at the event press conference on April 28: “The purpose of the event is to unite and reconnect communities through a cross-cultural gathering.”

Entry to the event and all concerts is free “in service to the community and to bring smiles to people’s faces.”

Since it is on a first-come, first-served basis, organizers advise families to arrive between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to secure a good spot and avoid overcrowding.

Music will enjoy the spotlight with performances by top singers and DJs from each country. Representing India are Jubin Nautiyal, Aakanksha Sharma and 12 other prominent artists.

From the Philippines, Angeline Quinto, Bugoy Drilon, and 10 other performers will take the stage. Bangladesh will be represented by Ruhani Salsabil and 14 others, while Sudan’s lineup includes rapper Dafencii, Insaf Madani and 10 well-known artists.

There will also be children’s activities, and all concerts will be standing-room only, in a family-friendly, smoke-free environment. To ensure safety, each child will receive a tracking wristband upon entry to prevent them from getting lost.

Angelina Bouges, a Filipino expat living in Jeddah, said: “I can’t believe I’ll have the chance to attend a concert featuring some of the biggest singers from my country. I’m truly grateful to Saudi Arabia for making this possible.”

Additionally, culinary experiences and interactive displays will highlight the folklore and social customs of the participating countries.

“Your Passport to the World” also pays homage to each country’s heritage with visual designs inspired by traditional patterns, textile motifs, natural elements, and architectural styles unique to each culture.

Each country’s pavilion at Al-Fayhaa walkway will feature its traditional attire, handicrafts, dance performances, foods, open markets, stages, and interactive installations.

As a visual centrepiece, the event will feature large, illuminated sculptures symbolizing each country: a lizard for the Philippines, an elephant for India, a Bengal tiger for Bangladesh, and a rhinoceros for Sudan.

RIYADH: The Cabinet expressed its appreciation for the efforts of government agencies that have contributed to the achievements of Saudi Vision 2030 as it approaches the realization of its major goals, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

According to the vision’s annual report for 2024, 93 percent of its key performance indicators were either fully or partially met since its launch nine years ago.

Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari explained that the Cabinet discussed the third and final phase of the Kingdom’s Vision which will begin in 2026. The third phase will focus on sustaining the transformation’s impact and leveraging new growth opportunities.

The Cabinet also commended the generous donation of SR 1 billion ($266.6 million) made by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support housing projects for eligible Saudi beneficiaries and families in need.

The donation reflects the crown prince’s constant commitment to enhancing the quality of life for citizens and his continued interest in the housing sector and projects aimed at providing adequate housing for deserving families across the Kingdom, the Cabinet said.

Prince Mohammed also briefed the Cabinet on his reception of Jordan’s King Abdullah and his discussions with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Cabinet commended the outcomes of the second meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council and the growing economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries.

The Cabinet emphasized that the security of the Middle East requires accelerating the search for a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Council affirmed the Kingdom’s continued efforts to accelerate the Syrian Arab Republic’s economic recovery, and renewed its call for regional and international financial institutions to resume and expand their operations in the country.