The cultures of 23 countries shine at the Expo Kafu in Al-Ahsa
Al-Ahsa Governorate, a historical oasis and a member of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network, witnessed an exceptional cultural event: the Expo (Kafu), attracted a large audience. Organized by the Deanship of Student Affairs, the expo featured students representing 23 countries, aiming to highlight cultural diversity and promote global openness. Historically, Al-Ahsa has been a crossroads of civilizations and trade routes, making its hosting of such events a natural extension of its rich heritage of cultural exchange. Launched under the theme "The World in Kafu," the event included panoramic displays of traditional costumes, local cuisine, and diverse art forms.
Dimensions and impacts of Expo 2020 locally and internationally
lies of Expo KAFU in its role as a vital platform for fostering collaboration and direct communication with international students, highlighting the cultures of participating nations. Locally, the expo enriches the cultural knowledge of the university community and the wider region, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance quality of life and build a vibrant society that engages with diverse cultures. Regionally and internationally, the event reflects the Kingdom's image as an attractive destination for education and a hub for tolerance and peaceful coexistence among different peoples, thus strengthening Saudi Arabia's soft power on the global stage.
A captivating tour through the corridors of Arab heritage
In the context of showcasing cultures, the Bahraini corner stood out with remarkable popularity. Student Hadeel Al-Rawahi expressed her pride in representing the Kingdom of Bahrain, highlighting the diversity of Bahraini attire, from the "dara'a" and "batula" for everyday wear to the "nashal" dress for special occasions. She also noted the presence of Bahraini cuisine, featuring dishes like "matay" and "harees." Student Hassan Al-Sulaiman praised the strong support for the Syrian corner, which showcased Damascene culture and dishes such as "kibbeh," "halawat al-jibn," and the traditional drink "mate." The Palestinian corner offered a comprehensive experience, including dishes like "musakhan," folk arts such as "dabke," and demonstrating Palestinian craftsmanship, such as pottery and laurel soap production. In the Afro-Arab pavilion, the Algerian corner focused on authenticity through the "burnous" and "chechia" attire, and commemorated the glories of the liberation revolution through interactive visual displays.
A glimpse into the cultural diversity of Asia and Africa
Moving on to Asia, student Yusuf Ramadan highlighted Indonesia's heritage, showcasing traditional batik clothing and traditional musical instruments like the gamelan, as well as promoting global tourist destinations and seafood. On the African continent, student Abdulaziz Senegal presented on Côte d'Ivoire, explaining its demographic and linguistic diversity, encompassing more than 60 local dialects, and its prominent presence on the international sports scene. Finally, student Ammar Abdul Salam emphasized Nigeria's status as a major human and economic powerhouse in Africa, with a population exceeding 200 million. He pointed to its immense cultural diversity, geographically varied social customs, and its reliance on oil wealth and the agricultural sector to ensure food security and support the national economy.
