Sudanese Cultural Week kicks off in Riyadh as part of the Global Harmony Initiative

On Sunday evening, the Saudi Ministry of Media launched the “Sudanese Cultural Week” events at Al-Suwaidi Park in Riyadh, as part of the “Global Harmony” initiative organized by the Ministry in partnership with the General Entertainment Authority and the Quality of Life Program. This event is part of a series of cultural activities aimed at highlighting the cultural diversity of residents in the Kingdom and promoting the concepts of human coexistence.

A popular carnival embodying the authenticity of the Nile Valley

The festivities kicked off with a grand celebratory parade that wound its way through Al-Suwaidi Park, offering visitors an exceptional visual and auditory experience that captured aspects of social life in Sudan. Participants presented artistic performances featuring the rhythms of the famous "Dalouka" drum and the melodies of the "Rababa," instruments characteristic of Sudanese folk music. A live reenactment of the traditional Sudanese "Zaffa" wedding ceremony, with its time-honored customs, was also performed, a segment that garnered enthusiastic applause from the diverse audience.

Dimensions of the initiative and the context of Vision 2030

This event is particularly significant as it falls under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically within the Quality of Life Program, which aims to improve the lifestyle of individuals and families and build a society where its members enjoy a balanced way of life. The “Global Harmony” initiative is a practical manifestation of the Kingdom’s efforts to promote cultural exchange, providing residents with an opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage and share it with Saudi society, reflecting the deep fraternal and historical ties that bind the Saudi and Sudanese peoples.

Cultural and artistic diversity reflects the geography of Sudan

The Sudanese Week agenda features a rich, multi-day program including concerts by leading Sudanese artists, as well as performances showcasing the geographical and cultural diversity of Sudan's various states. The organizing committee has also dedicated sections to handicrafts and traditional products, along with a corner dedicated to popular cuisine and traditional clothing such as the Sudanese thobe and jalabiya, offering visitors a comprehensive cultural experience.

A fitting conclusion to the “Global Harmony” initiative

It is worth noting that Sudanese Cultural Week marks the final event in the current edition of the “Global Harmony” initiative, which has successfully showcased the cultures of 14 different countries over the past few weeks. The opening day of the event saw a massive turnout of thousands, who enthusiastically engaged with the national and social songs performed by the artists of the first day, confirming the initiative's success in achieving its goals of building bridges of communication between peoples in the Kingdom.